Tina's ex-lover finally arrested

Michael Padayachee, accused of savagely assaulting Tina Mbili, has been arrested.

A two-week manhunt involving a specially formed team and members of the Tactical Response Unit ended early yesterday after a tip-off.

"He was walking in a street in Verulam when police drove up to him. He realised he was trapped so he did not try to flee," said Colonel Reuben Govender, the head of the team.

Padayachee, who is Mbili's former lover and the father of her 17-month-old daughter, is being held at Phoenix police station.

He is expected to appear in court today to face attempted murder charges.

Padayachee allegedly beat up Mbili and left her for dead in a Phoenix park.

Last week, he allegedly sent Mbili several text messages threatening to "finish you off".

Mbili had obtained an interim protection order against Padayachee.

When Padayachee appeared in court in July for assault, intimidation, and crimen injuria - after he allegedly tried to kidnap his daughter - Phoenix police opposed bail but he was released.

Mbili's sister, Ross Harichand, let out a sigh of relief when she learned of Padayachee's arrest.

"For the first time in a long time we can sleep easily. We have been living in fear for such a long time that it seems almost unreal that this man has been arrested.

"I really thought he would get away with it," she said.

Harichand will be in court today but Mbili is said to be not "physically or emotionally well" enough to come face-to-face with Padayachee.

"Tina's injuries have to heal and she cannot go anywhere at the moment.

"She is also suffering emotionally and has to go for counselling. She will recover but she is not yet ready to go to court," Harichand said.

According to Mbili's statement to the police, made last week, she had been living with Padayachee for a week in Phoenix when they went to a local tavern after work on the day of the attack.

Their daughter was with Padayachee's mother at the time.

The alleged assault had taken place as they were walking home, she said.