A shocking incident in Kuils River has left a 16-year-old boy severely injured after he was allegedly assaulted and scalded with boiling water following a theft accusation.
The teenager, who was shopping with his mother at the Studio88 store in Zevenwacht Mall, was found moments later with severe burns and bruises all over his body.
His mother recounted the harrowing ordeal in an IOL report, explaining that she had briefly stepped into a different store, only to return and discover her son in distress.
According to her, the boy admitted to taking two T-shirts but insisted that this did not justify the extreme physical abuse he suffered.
‘I would never defend him if he were wrong, but this was excessive,’ she said. ‘The right thing would have been to call the police.’
IOL reported that the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors were alarmed by his injuries, including burns to his hands and blood in his urine. His mother is now demanding justice for her son, who is expected to appear in court for the first time on Thursday.
Police have confirmed that three men were arrested in connection with the incident, and the case is being investigated further. A spokesperson for the Mr Price Group, which owns Studio88, expressed awareness of the situation and stated that an internal investigation is underway.
The police report reveals that the teen initially went into the store, tried on the stolen items, and attempted to leave without paying.
When he was caught by the manager, a violent altercation ensued. The employee allegedly used a broom to beat him, and another worker poured boiling water on his hand.
One of the suspects has already appeared in court, and the case has been postponed until March 2025.
Meanwhile, the boy also faces a charge of theft as investigations into the incident continue.
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Picture: Zevenwacht Mall / Facebook
