A Cape Town mother has been left traumatised and fearing for her life after she was beaten by her children’s father. 

Shauna Rhoda, 32,  from Strandfontein, was in a relationship with City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officer Troy Haddon for over a decade and took the ups and downs in their relationship until she just could no longer. 

Rhoda, a mother of three, moved out of the home she shared with her partner in November 2025.

“The cheating, drugs, and alcohol abuse were always a problem. There were incidents of physical altercations. For years, I endured sexual, mental, and emotional abuse at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect and care for me—a man I was in a relationship with, a father to our two children,” Rhoda said. 

Her three children, an 11-year-old daughter, and her sons, aged five and seven, whom she has with Haddon, now bear the brunt of his actions. 

Rhoda told IOL that she tried leaving him multiple times, but she always went back in consideration for her children. He also did not allow her to work, yet she was belittled for not having an income. 

“He constantly disrespected me. He would tell the children: ‘Mommy doesn’t love you.’ He would ensure I did not work, but made it a mission to make it known he was the breadwinner. I also never spoke up before because I did not want him to get into trouble with his job,” she explained. 

Rhoda said the latest incident, which took place about two weeks ago, is what broke the camel’s back. This resulted in her breaking her silence on social media and going viral. 

The officer, who has since moved on with another woman, has also been harassing Rhoda for moving on. 

“A week before the incident, he was begging me to come back home. When I had someone, he’d come to my house and choke me. He would tell me he was “going to make you vrek” (going to kill you),” she told IOL. 

On the day of her attack, Rhoda went to Haddon’s residence to collect clothing for their children. After waiting for a long time at the gate without any response, she decided to jump over the wall to gain entry. Upon entering, she unexpectedly interrupted Haddon and his new girlfriend.

“They were busy coking (using cocaine). He then got angry. He beat me in front of his new girlfriend. He shoved her panties in my face. He dragged me out by the door and beat me. My toe fractured. I had a panic attack while he was hitting me. I was begging him, asking him to stop. He was sitting on my chest, beating me, choking me. My mouth and nose were bleeding. I begged and told him I am the mother of his children. He had no remorse. I was swearing. He kept at it, and after a while, I just gave up. I was helpless,” Rhoda told IOL. 

The mother of three says that at the time, Haddon’s girlfriend was standing close by, laughing and making voice notes of her swearing. 

“This is the first time it got so bad. He has no remorse. He is not sorry. He thinks he is right. I enabled him all these years, but I had enough,” she said bravely. 

Rhoda gathered the courage and filed charges at the Strandfontein police station; however, Haddon and his girlfriend filed counter charges against her for assault, house breaking, trespassing, and property damage. 

“It was one of the most traumatic and horrific experiences of my life. The person who once claimed to love me used his power, physically and emotionally, to destroy me. I was the one who was taken to the police cells. I was in a cast and had crutches and had to sleep in the [police] cells. I am still traumatised by that. I still cannot sleep at all,” she told IOL. 

Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed charges were filed. 

“According to reports, the complainant arrived at a home in Milano Crescent to fetch clothing items on Monday, June 30,  2025, at about 10pm. The person of interest dropped the call upon which the victim entered the house through a window. The suspect assaulted the victim, resulting in her sustaining injuries. The incident is domestic-related. Strandfontein police registered a case of common assault. 

“The detective assigned to handle the investigation charged a 36-year-old man on Wednesday,  July 7, 2025, on the mentioned charge. We appeal to anyone with more information surrounding this case to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Swartbooi said. 

When Rhoda eventually got her day in court after suffering at the hands of her children’s father, the matter was withdrawn. 

“When I went to court (Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court) the matter was thrown out at court. Apparently there is not enough evidence. The evidence was on my face. I don’t know how there was not enough evidence,” Rhoda said angrily. 

She said the City of Cape Town was also informed about the conduct of their officer, yet, nothing was being done. 

IOL reached out to the City of Cape Town and Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason said they were aware of the allegations. 

“The City of Cape Town became aware of the allegations against the officer earlier this month. It is viewed in a serious light, and this matter is being dealt with in terms of City policies and processes, including a disciplinary process that will be implemented,” Dyason said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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