Man 'threatened to kill all black people' during assault, victim says

A man who allegedly punched and shouted racial slurs at a Nigerian woman while waiting in line, said he hated “niggers” and told his victim that he wants to “kill” all black people, a court heard today.

The remark was made this afternoon by Faith Jezz Mohammed in the compiliation of evidence against Joseph Apap, 43, of St Paul’s Bay. Apap is pleading not guilty to grievously injuring the Nigerian woman, to inciting racial hatred, and to breaching public peace on December 10.

In her testimony, an emotional Faith Jezz Mohammed told the court that she was in line waiting to cash cheques at an exchange bureau in Dawret il-Gzejjer Bugibba, when the at one point, the accused sought to jump the queue and remonstrated with her.

The woman explained that she initially put up with Apap’s racial slurs, but then the abuse got even worse, with Apap allegedly saying he hates “niggers” and “blacks.”

“I was waiting in line to be served when he [Apap] started telling us to hurry up and also sought to jump the queue. I told him to calm down and that we will soon be ready.”

“At one point he told us: ‘You f****** blacks, just go back to your country’,” the woman said.

The victim explained that she sought to calm Apap down, but the accused nevertheless continued remonstrating this time saying that he hates blacks and that he “wants to shoot them” and “kill them all.”

Magistrate Doreen Clarke heard that after the racial abuse, an argument erupted between Apap and the Nigerian woman. During the argument, Apap is alleged to have assaulted his victim, punching two teeth in the process. A third tooth had to be removed as a result of the assault.

The court also heard that when police arrived, Apap was found sitting on Mohammed, punching her in the face. Police Sergeant Francesca Quattromani told the court that she saw a lot of blood and a couple of teeth on the ground.

Meanwhile, the defence’s request for bail, was once again turned down, and consequently, Apap was remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi led the prosecution while Lawyer Christopher Chircop appeared for the accused.