Woman allegedly loses baby after tear-gassing

The recent tear-gassing of squatters at 1 Rail Street Florida had an unfortunate aftermath.

Rupert September, Deputy Chairman of Ward 70 ANC branch and also one of the residents trying to see to it that justice is served for the group, has informed the Record that one of the squatters who was pregnant when she was gassed had lost her unborn child.

The woman allegedly went into labour and was rushed to Discoverers Health Clinic where the baby aborted. One of her fellow residents, only known as Alex, confirmed this. The Record is still attempting to establish contact with the woman.

SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mashiteng says that usually a case of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm would be opened but that the court, depending on the age of the fetus, most likely will change the charge to manslaughter or murder.

In the light of this latest event the Record once again tried to get an explanation from Crystal Ball Properties – the owners of the property – as to what their connection was to the mystery man who delivered their document to the squatters or how he got hold of this document.

For the fourth time they refused, saying that the director, a certain Mr Rothman, “is a very busy man” and that they do not know who tear-gassed the squatters.

September also expressed his intent to help the squatters to open cases at the Florida Police Station and against the Florida Police but the station commander, Colonel Rautenbach could not be reached for comment.