Lesbian kicked to 'convert' her

2010-05-17 09:18

Liana Munnik (Rapport)

Philip de Bruin, Beeld

Pretoria - A lesbian woman has instituted a R1.52m damages claim against a couple who allegedly beat her and a friend.

Cecilia (Liana) Munnik from Pretoria alleges that Margaret de Beer repeatedly kicked her between the legs and told her that she's going "straight to hell" for being gay. She was also told that she is "an insult to Christianity".

De Beer apparently said she wanted to kick Munnik to "convert her".

Damages

These allegations appear in papers filed in the North Gauteng High Court. Munnik is suing Margaret and Cornelius (Gerhard) de Beer for R1.52m in damages related to the alleged incident on May 15 2007.

The De Beers own property in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, but are currently living in Mokopane (Potgietersrus).

During the alleged kicking incident, Mr de Beer supposedly "tackled" a certain Ms Bothma who was attempting to help Munnik.

He pinned her to the ground "with his knees on her throat".

'Barbaric'

Legal expert Marinus Wiechers on Sunday described the allegations as shocking.

"If these allegations are later proven to be true, this is one of the worst cases of human barbarism that I know of.

"Is this how sick our civilisation really is? I don't know if any criminal charges were laid, but based on the statements in the summons this is a case of indecent assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm."

Cornelius de Beer told Rapport that he and his wife deny the allegations and that they will contest the case in court.

- Beeld