Assault victim’s mother carries heavy burden

After her son was assaulted and locked in a room for 24 hours, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to walk or talk, Joanie Daries has had to carry the financial and emotional burden of caring for him alone."I did not give birth to a disabled child, so it has been a struggle for me and my other children to take care of him. I lost my job and I am barely scraping by on the little income we receive. I am really tired," she told Namibian Sun.The incident, which took place in September 2022, saw Shalldou Daries (now 23) reportedly attacked by two of his childhood friends - Llewellyn Olivier and Alistair Steenkamp.The suspects are both out on bail of N$3 000. They stand accused of attempted murder and kidnapping and appeared before the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court this week. The case has been postponed to 16 July.Daries said the emotional and financial weight of caring for her son is getting to her, adding that she has received little to no help over the last few years.According to her, she found a part-time job that pays her less than N$3 000 a month and her son receives a disability grant from the government of N$1300."With that money, I have to buy diapers for Shalldou, pay our rent of N$2 000, keep my youngest child in school and buy whatever groceries we can afford.“There is barely any money left to take Shalldou for medical check-ups and needed physiotherapy," Daries said through tears.She appealed to Good Samaritans for any kind of assistance.Daries can be reached at 081 462 1681 for more information.

Assault victim’s mother carries heavy burden

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-08

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Assault victim’s mother carries heavy burden

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-08

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