In a disheartening incident that shook the local community, police have confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with a violent attack on a petrol attendant at a BP garage in Wellington.
The suspects, aged 25 and 29, were apprehended on Thursday following a swift police response to the grievous bodily harm inflicted on the victim.
According to police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana, the charges have been upgraded to assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, alongside an additional charge of crimen injuria.
‘Reports reveal that the complainant was on duty when a white Golf came in and parked at the petrol pump. It is alleged that the complainant asked the driver, who was standing outside the vehicle with his friend, to move his vehicle to the parking area.
‘The suspect then started swearing at the complainant and ended up assaulting him together with his friend. The complainant was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment due to injuries sustained,’ Manyana said.
This comes after Cape {town} Etc previously reported that Wellington’s residents were left reeling after a disturbing video circulated on social media, depicting a brutal assault allegedly by taxi drivers on a petrol attendant at a local BP garage.
Netizens have expressed their outrage, questioning not only the actions of the assailants but also the bystanders who stood idly by, offering no assistance during the violent incident.
The incident caught on video, reported to have occurred on March 1, has sparked significant backlash and shows two young individuals viciously attacking the petrol attendant, who sources claim hails from Mbekweni.
Video: Viewer discretion advised – the video contains sensitive content that may be distressing to some viewers
Community accountability groups, such as Thembokwezi Crime Watch, have vehemently condemned the violence, calling for urgent action against the perpetrators. ‘These youngsters must be brought to book for their thuggery displayed here,’ the group asserted in a published Facebook post.
Highlighting the potential tragedy of the assault, Thembokwezi Crime Watch added, ‘They could have killed this old man. They must thank their lucky stars it was not a BP garage in Gauteng where they stand together and fight thuggery from drunk motorists and robbers.’
The community group has also urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) Western Cape General Thembisile Patekile to take decisive action against the rise in violence, and for the Provincial MEC of Safety Anroux Marias to intervene in addressing this grave issue.
Members of the community are rallying to ensure that such violence is not tolerated.
Ashley Rix, another concerned resident who shared the footage, commented, ‘Violence like this should never be tolerated. Let’s continue to spread awareness and ensure that justice is served. If anyone has more information, please come forward. Let’s stand together against such acts!’
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Picture: Ashley Rix/ Facebook
