Groblersdal man arrested in connection with assault of teen boy
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said an argument reportedly turned violent after the victim and his cousin allegedly wanted to use the same seasoning as the suspect.
POLOKWANE – The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the swift arrest of a 50-year-old man in connection with the assault of a 16-year-old boy.
The man was caught on video pointing a firearm at the boy at a food outlet at the Groblersdal Game Center on Wednesday night (June 15).
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the man was arrested this morning (June 16) following investigations by police.
Mojapelo said an argument reportedly turned violent after the victim and his cousin allegedly wanted to use the same seasoning as the suspect.
“The suspect became furious and assaulted the teenager while pointing his firearm. Other shoppers watched helplessly as the suspect assaulted the boy and left him lying on the ground,” Mojapelo said.
The boy was taken to hospital and was later discharged.
“Cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing of a firearm were opened,” Mojapelo said.
He added that the man will appear before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday (June 17).
“We will not tolerate incidents of gender-based violence and attacks on our children and we will ensure that justice prevails for the victim. In the meantime, we urge the community to remain calm and allow us space to deal with the matter,” Hadebe said.
