Eugene Bareman Champions Action Against Coward Punches

Eugene Bareman, the head coach at Auckland’s City Kickboxing gym, is taking significant steps to combat the issue of coward punches. In 2023, he established the Walk Without Fear Trust to advocate for stricter penalties and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of these unprovoked attacks. A coward punch is defined as an assault where the victim is caught off guard and unable to defend themselves.

The initiative was spurred by a tragic event in 2021 when the team lost one of its athletes, Fau Vake, who succumbed to injuries in the hospital after being attacked. Vake’s attacker received a sentence of two years and nine months in prison for manslaughter, a punishment that Bareman believes is insufficient given the severity of the crime.

The issue gained renewed attention last month following the death of Daniel Nganeko, who was killed in a coward punch incident outside a rugby clubroom in New Plymouth. A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with this case and is set to be sentenced in October 2023.

Bareman has expressed concern over the prevalence of these attacks, stating that he has encountered numerous stories since launching the trust. Many incidents go unreported, as victims often recover quickly from their injuries and do not seek legal recourse. This highlights a troubling aspect of coward punches: the victims may feel compelled to simply “dust themselves off” and move on, rather than pursuing justice.

The Walk Without Fear Trust aims to create a platform for victims to share their experiences and advocate for change. Bareman hopes that by raising awareness, the community can collectively address this serious issue, advocating for a society where people can feel safe from unexpected violence.

By pushing for enhanced legal consequences for offenders, the initiative seeks to deter such attacks and foster a culture of accountability. The tragic loss of Vake and the recent events surrounding Nganeko have underscored the urgent need for action, prompting Bareman and his supporters to rally for change.

As the conversation around coward punches continues, Bareman remains committed to ensuring that victims are heard and that measures are put in place to prevent further tragedies.