Teen burned and assaulted in alleged theft incident at Kuils River Store

Teen burned and assaulted in alleged theft incident at Kuils River Store! A 16-year-old boy accused of stealing two T-shirts from Studio88 in Zevenwacht, Kuils River, was allegedly assaulted and burned with boiling water by store employees.

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice from the teenager’s mother, who claims the punishment was excessively cruel.

Incident Details

According to reports, the teenager had accompanied his mother on a shopping trip. While she visited another store, the teenager entered Studio88, where he allegedly took two T-shirts. He wore one of the shirts under his sweater and attempted to leave the store. A store employee stopped him, accusing him of theft.

The situation escalated when the store manager and other employees allegedly assaulted the teenager with a broomstick and pipes. One employee is accused of pouring boiling water on the boy’s right hand.

The teenager’s mother was horrified to find her son bruised and burned. “I asked why he was being assaulted by the three men, and they said he had stolen a T-shirt,” she recounted. She acknowledged her son’s wrongdoing but emphasized that the situation should have been handled legally. “The best thing would have been to call the police and have him arrested,” she said.

Medical Attention and Legal Action

The mother immediately took her son to the hospital, where doctors treated burns on his hands and conducted X-rays. Medical professionals also raised concerns about the presence of blood in the teenager’s urine, suggesting internal injuries.

The mother has since filed a police report, leading to the arrest of three employees involved in the assault. The case has been registered as assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Police Investigation

Kuils River police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana confirmed that an investigation is underway. “According to reports, the complainant went to the shop for window shopping where he saw two T-shirts that he liked. He then took both T-shirts and went to the fitting room where he wore one under his sweater,” Manyana explained.

As the teenager attempted to leave, store employees confronted him and allegedly resorted to violence. One of the employees was arrested and has already appeared in court. The case has been postponed until March 2025 to allow further investigation.

Additionally, a theft case has been opened against the teenager.

Store’s Response

Matthew Warriner, a spokesperson for the Mr. Price Group, which owns Studio88, acknowledged the incident. “We are aware of the allegations and are conducting an internal investigation,” Warriner said.

The company’s response will be closely watched, as calls for accountability grow louder.

Mother’s Plea for Justice

The teenager’s mother is determined to seek justice for her son. “I will never stand up for him when he has done something wrong. He confessed to me and said he had taken the item, but that doesn’t mean he should be brutally attacked,” she said.

She emphasized that such acts of violence, especially against minors, are unacceptable and has vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Broader Implications

The case has sparked debate over the appropriate handling of shoplifting incidents and the use of excessive force by store employees. Civil rights groups and activists have condemned the incident, emphasizing that minors accused of theft should be dealt with through legal channels, not vigilante justice.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the public awaits accountability for the store employees’ actions and a resolution to the ongoing theft investigation against the teenager. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for proportional and lawful responses to alleged crimes, particularly involving vulnerable individuals like minors.

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The session unraveled with shocking revelations about her past, leaving her reputation under further scrutiny. During her court appearance, Maweni denied having a criminal record. However, the prosecutor revealed that state records indicate otherwise, although further time is needed to confirm and retrieve the details. Read More