Resident allegedly assaulted by security officers
Sunningdale resident alleges he was called a baboon and the 'k-word' by local security company.
A SUNNINGDALE resident has alleged that he was called the “k” word and assaulted by staff employed by a well-known security company. But the head of Marshall Security said it was the security guards who were targeted by the resident.
Kwazi Cele said he was punched, pepper sprayed and choked by two men from Marshall Security outside a garage on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Durban North SAPS are investigating the circumstances of the alleged assault which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. Cele said he was assaulted after an argument broke out with the security officials who asked what he was doing at the station.
“My friend (Pagama) and I had stopped for a packet of cigarettes when we were approached by two men who asked ‘What are you doing here?’ I refused to answer them and so I asked them what are they doing here. I live in Sunningdale, why do I need to say why I’m there. Do we have to carry a dompas again?
“One of the men said he’s the owner of the petrol station and I can’t ask any questions. Things got heated and an argument broke out. I stepped out of the vehicle to ask what the problem was and that’s when I was grabbed around the neck,” he said.
Cele alleged that the man grabbed him around his neck and pushed him to the ground. He eventually passed out and when he regained consciousness, the men were arguing with his friend.
“Two more men from the security company arrived and I was pepper sprayed and punched in the back of the head. I ended up chipping my tooth because the force of the blow knocked me down on the pavement outside the convenience store.
“Somebody called us baboons and then the k-word was used,” Cele said. He was not sure who exactly had used the k-word. –
Speaking to the Northglen News on Saturday, a furious Cele said he also believes he was attacked because he was wearing an ANC t-shirt with the words ‘Mandela’s Children’ printed across it.
Marshall Security’s Tyron Powell confirmed that officers from the security company were at the scene but alleged the men were assaulted by Cele and the other passenger of the car.
“We have opened a case at the Durban North SAPS and investigations are underway. It would be unprofessional for us to comment during these investigations,” Powell said.
Durban North SAPS spokesman, Lt Raymond Deokaran confirmed that a case of assault was opened by Marshall Security and counter charge of assault was opened by the alleged victim
