Mother punched in racist attack (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mother punched in racist attack

A NURSE was punched in the face in a racist attack while queuing with her eight-year-old son in McDonald's.

Faithful Hlomani, from Zimbabwe, was hit twice and subjected to racial taunts in what police have described as an unprovoked attack.

Her son Dewald was distraught as he saw his mother assaulted in the Canal Walk restaurant at around 5pm on Saturday.

The 29-year-old, who has lived in this country for two years, said: "We know racism exists, some of it you accept and you carry on with your life but not to this extent.

"When somebody assaults you or says something racist then that is not acceptable. It made me really angry."

She had spent the afternoon shopping in the town centre with her son before dropping into McDonald's to buy Dewald a meal.

Mrs Hlomani, who is in Britain on a work permit, said: "I couldn't believe I had been punched. It took me completely by surprise.

"I was approached while we were standing in the queue.

"She said 'What are you doing in this country? You come here, you take our jobs and our money. Go back to where you come from'.

"I told her to go away but then she came right up to me, really close so I pushed her away. Then she punched me, first on the left cheek and then on the right one."

Mrs Hlomani, who lives in Swindon and works in a nursing home, feels that the lack of serious physical wounds does not lessen the crime.

"There are no obvious injuries. It only hurts when I chew but it is still really disturbing," she said.

"We work and pay taxes and make a contribution to society.

"I hope the police catch this woman and it goes to court."

The woman was asked to leave by a member of staff who later called the police and alerted security staff of the Brunel Shopping Centre.

McDonald's spokeswoman Amanda Pearce said: "The management made an appropriate decision at the time which was focusing on assisting the lady who was attacked.

"The other woman was very aggressive and appeared drunk and, rather than cause more problems in a family environment by detaining her, staff asked her to leave.

"It was upsetting for all involved and we are helping the police in their inquiries."

Insp Keith Ewart said: "We take all racial incidents very seriously and are appealing for anyone who has information to come forward."

The attacker was white, in her mid 20s, around 5ft 2ins tall, and of small to medium build. She had long hair, which was tied back in a ponytail and she had facial piercings or facial jewellery.

Anyone with information should call police on Swindon 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Bhavani Vadde