Ballito businesswoman awaits justice as police officer assault trial begins

A BALLITO businesswoman who suffered facial injuries after allegedly being assaulted with a chair by two police officers is finally seeing her day in court.

Despite ongoing trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the incident, Viloshini Chengadu remains hopeful as the trial against her alleged attackers begins.

Chengadu, 48, was allegedly hit with a chair and punched in the face at her recycling business in Mount Edgecombe, in March, last year.

The two police officers, who are brothers - Gerard Reddy and Jarryd Reddy - are employed by the SAPS and metro police.

They were arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), extortion and pointing a firearm.

The brothers, who were released on R3 000 bail last year, reappeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court for the start of their trial today.

But the case was postponed due to Chengadu’s husband, Trevor, being unable to attend court to give evidence. 

He is the State’s first witness in the case. 

Speaking to POST after the adjournment, Chengadu said her husband had been suffering from a “critical illness”.

“He has been hospitalised since October. I was relieved that the court had granted the postponement of the trial's start. We believe that the State has a strong case against both the accused and we pray that justice will prevail. I have put my faith in the justice system,” she added.

She said since the attack, she has struggled with PTSD.

“My journey has been difficult since the incident. I suffered from PTSD and this led me to become ill. I was hospitalised in April 2024. My eye has healed, but I have a scar on my face from the stitches, and would have to live with this forever,” she said.

Gender-based Violence (GBV) attack

In an interview with POST last year,  Chengadu detailed the circumstances surrounding the attack, which left her with injuries to her face and eyes.

She said one of her trucks was involved in an accident with the off-duty SAPS police officer’s private vehicle on Spine Road.

She claimed when the police officer and his brother arrived at her business premises to discuss the quotation for the damages, she was assaulted.

THE POST