Kholofelo Mabitsela
Police have arrested a 50-year-old white man who was filmed assaulting a 16-year-old teenager and threatening him with a firearm in a dispute over sauces for chips.
It’s alleged that the teenager, Kopano Makweng from Groblersdal in Limpopo, was at a fast food shop with his brother around 8pm on Wednesday when they asked the man who was using the salt to pass it when he was finished.
The man allegedly attacked Kopano’s brother when he tried to reach for sauces for their potato chips.
Kopano’s mother Julia Makweng said the man became upset and started an argument, which reportedly turned violent.
“The man got furious and pulled out a gun and started to assault Kopano’s brother. Kopano intervened by pleading with the man to stop assaulting his brother but the man turned to Kopano and started assaulting him,” Makweng said.
In the video the man is seen assaulting Kopano and kicking him on the body and in the stomach while holding his gun in his hand.
Shoppers watched helplessly until the suspect eventually left Kopano lying on the ground.
The victim was later taken to hospital for treatment. A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and another of pointing a firearm were opened.
According to police, the suspect was traced using his car’s registration.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the swift arrest of the suspect.
“We will not tolerate incidents of violence and attacks on our children and we will ensure that justice prevails for the victim. In the meantime, we urge community members to remain calm and allow us space to deal with the matter,” said Hadebe.
The suspect Corrie Pretorius appeared before the Groblersdal magistrate’s court on Friday and his case was postponed to June 24 for formal bail application. Pretorius will remain behind bars as police investigation continues
Image source: @ChrisExcel102
