In the latest update regarding the young man who was stabbed multiple times in Barry Hertzog Park, Newcastle, one suspect is in police custody, according to the Newcastle SAPS.
Following a vicious attack that took place during the early hours of Saturday morning, 11 November 2023, Matayo van der Mescht was admitted to Mediclinic Newcastle after he was stabbed 12 times.
According to Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam, the assault unfolded during the early hours of Saturday morning, 11 November 2023, at the corner of DF Malan and FW Beyers. She explained, “One suspect approached the young men, asking them for a cigarette, while a second suspect came up from behind them and attacked them.”
She elaborated further, stating that a scuffle unfolded between the four, where Matayo was stabbed multiple times, and his friend was stabbed twice.
Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team’s Imran Ghafoor reported that following the incident, an investigation was launched to locate the men. “Following up on information, one suspect was tracked down by the Newcastle SAPS and the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team on Saturday afternoon and he was taken into custody,” said Ghafoor.
Moreover, Arumugam confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody and made his first appearance in the Newcastle Magistrate Court on Monday, 13 November 2023. The man faces charges of attempted murder and robbery.
While the court has remanded the case until a later date, Arumugam assured further investigations are ongoing.
Speaking with Newcastillian News, Karin van der Mescht, Matayo’s mother, explained that the traumatic event is one she will never forget. Discussing the ordeal, she said that Matayo had finished work and had decided to go out for a drink with a friend.
“I asked him if I should fetch him, but Matayo explained that he had a lift home. However, his lift dropped him off two blocks from our house and he walked the rest of the way home with a friend. About 500 metres away from our home, he and his friend were attacked,” she said.
She added that Matayo, in an attempt to protect his friend, suffered 12 stab wounds, including wounds to his head, along with injuries to his ribs and back, resulting in a punctured lung.
While Matayo’s friend escaped with two minor stab wounds and a wrist fracture, Matayo was rushed to Mediclinic Newcastle, where he was admitted. The attackers made off with Matayo’s necklace and his friend’s phone but failed to take Matayo’s phone.
In the aftermath of the assault, Karin received a chilling phone call from Matayo, who screamed frantically, telling his mother that he and his friend had been stabbed.
“It was the most terrifying phone call I’ve ever received. My husband and I jumped into our car to go look for them and I thought my son was going to die. No one should get a call like that,” she said.
Racing to find them, Karin and her husband located the injured pair, transporting them to Mediclinic Newcastle. Matayo lost consciousness in the car, adding to the anguish, but ultimately pulled through after being stabilised at the private hospital.
However, the family now faces financial strain due to unforeseen medical expenses. Karin expressed concern about impending costs for ongoing care.
“We are currently waiting for the hospital to see what further costs there are and then of course, there will be the aftercare medical expenses which we will have to worry about, especially since he was also stabbed in the ear. We do need help for Matayo,” said Karin.
With the family needing assistance from the community, Karin explained that Mediclinic Newcastle has a bank account which donations can be paid into. The banking details are as follows:
- Account holder: Mediclinic Newcastle
- Bank: ABSA
- Account number: 4069841875
- Branch Code: 632005
- Reference number: Matayo V.D. Mescht
As the van der Mescht family turns to the community for support, and one man faces legal action against him, what are your thoughts on the above mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
