Masses expected to converge at Groblersdal Magistrates Court

GROBLERSDAL – Masses comprising various formations and organizations are expected to converge at the Groblersdal Magistrates Court, tomorrow, Friday 24 June 2022 in solidarity with the family of the 16 year-old teenager who was seen on social media being assaulted by a 50 year-old man at one of the town’s foot outlets on the 15 June 2022 evening.

Cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing of a firearm were opened following the dubbed racial attack incident.

The 50 year-old man, who also was seen totting a gun in the video while assaulting the teenager, was arrested the following morning after an intensive investigation by the local police.

The suspect, Corrie Pretorious briefly appeared before the court on 17 June 2022 and was remanded to custody until 24 June 2022 for formal bail application.

On the night, other shoppers watched helplessly as the gun-totting man assaulted the boy and until he eventually left him lying on the ground. The victim was later taken to the Groblersdal Hospital and discharged.

It is alleged that the teenager and his cousin were at the foot-outlets in the town when he asked to use the same seasoning as the accused. He became furious and started assaulting the minor and pushing him outside the outlet.

H allegedly continued assaulting the boy while pointing him with a firearm, until he eventually left the boy lying on the ground. A video of the incident was captured and posted on social media.

Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) Executive Mayor, Julia Mathebe joined various formations, organizations and structures who have condemned in the strongest term the act of violence against the 16 year-old boy.

“We are saddened and condemn this barbaric behaviour. There is no place for violence in our society. Being violent is never an answer to resolve any conflict,” said Mathebe.