A Glenwood petrol service station owner is fuming after one of his petrol attendants was brutally beaten by a mob of striking workers last Monday, despite the petrol attendant strike being called to an end on Friday.
Tony Ball owner of Bulwer Park Service Station this week, put an offer of a R10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who attacked his attendants. Ball believes the attack was NUMSA coordinated. He said the image of his loyal employee lying on the ground asking him to help him is an image etched on his mind.
The incident, which lasted no more than two minutes, was captured on CCTV camera footage. It shows how an organised mob casually congregated at the service station before turning on one of the attendants.
“They broke sticks hitting him and it was over so soon, we had to rush him to St Augustine’s Hospital because he was bleeding badly from his head, face and hands. There was blood on the sticks they had left behind,” said an angry Ball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1XXNK9e_n8&feature=youtu.be
CCTV camera footage records the attack
Jerome Mkhungo, the petrol attendant who was assaulted spoke to Berea Mail when he returned to work on Monday after three days in hospital. The 49-year-old breadwinner has been worked at Bulwer Park Service Station for five years and was still upset over being victimised.
“They cracked my ring finger, broke my tooth and I had stitches to my head and lip. When I fell down they continued to hit me,” he said as he recalled his traumatic experience.
“I was putting oil in the engine of a car and was focused on that so I didn’t see the gang approach as I had my head under the bonnet, but it was too late when I did because I was alone with the guys and they had sticks.”
Mkhungo said the mob did not talk or ask him why he was working but continued to hit him. “I tried to defend myself but they were too many. I don’t understand why they targeted us,” he said.
Meanwhile Ball said he had contacted Umbilo police and was angered by their slow response time. “I phoned 1011 and got no response, then phoned Umbilo Police but they came three hours later asking where the victim was,” he said. Ball told Berea Mail he felt police were disinterested in dealing with the attack on his attendant.
Umbilo police communications officer, Sergeant Beverly Manqele explained that last Monday was especially busy for members as there was strike action and picketing throughout the day. “Striking workers were causing problems in all areas simultaneously. It is unfortunate that our members attended to the complaint late but they did manage to come through despite the heavy demand on the day.”
She advised Ball to lay a formal service delivery complaint which would be investigated.
Umbilo police are investigating a case of assault and intimidation.
