Businesswoman’s dream ‘shattered by rape ordeal’
A businesswoman’s dream of moving from the township she grew up in and creating an international empire was shattered by a horrific gang-rape ordeal, the high court in Port Elizabeth has heard.
Former investment broker Andy Kawa, 51, is suing the police for R6m following an alleged 16-hour abduction and rape ordeal at Kings Beach almost eight years ago.
Testifying on behalf of Kawa, clinical psychologist Trevor Reynolds said the Gauteng businesswoman had suffered profound losses since her December 2010 ordeal.
“[Kawa] has lost the ability to actualise that dream [of creating her own wealth],” Reynolds said.
Kawa is suing the minister of police, former head of the Humewood police station Brigadier Ronald Koll and two investigating officers.
In court papers, she claimed that they breached their duty to investigate her allegations that she had been abducted, held hostage and raped.
She also claimed that the police delayed responding to a call by joggers who assisted her after her escape, and that police failed to search the area in the vicinity of the car park at Kings Beach where her car had been broken into.
Kawa was allegedly abducted while walking along the beach by unknown assailants and repeatedly raped over a 16hour period.
Kawa previously said her civil case was a way for her to seek justice and retribution for the continued trauma she suffers due to the case not being properly investigated or finalised.
Psychologist Pamela Norton, who has been treating her since January 2011, said when she first consulted with Kawa it was clear to her that she was trying to diminish the emotions she was experiencing to protect herself from the pain.
Norton initially diagnosed Kawa with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“[Kawa] came across as guarded . . . trying to hold things together, but it was clear to me she was severely traumatised,” Norton said.
Norton said although there was a recovery plan in place for Kawa, certain triggers would lead to her regressing. “I do not think she will fully recover.”
The case continues.
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