Three criminal cases registered in South Africa over Spring Day incidents — TimesLIVE
Three criminal cases have been registered in South Africa in connection with incidents during Spring Day celebrations, with at least three more cases being prepared for official filing. This was reported by private security company Tshenolo Private Investigations, TimesLIVE writes. The reports concern alleged theft, bullying, intimidation and physical attacks on people who refused to take part in water dousing.
Reports of attacks and theft
Tshenolo Private Investigations representative Bongani Sibanyoni said one of the cases was opened at the Atteridgeville police station. It involves five people: three of school age and two somewhat older individuals. According to him, the alleged suspects have been identified, and law enforcement officers are handling the case.
The company is also aware of an incident in Winterveldt, where twin brothers were allegedly beaten after refusing to allow themselves to be doused with cold, dirty water. Another victim, Sibanyoni said, went to Soshanguve police following an alleged attack, but officers there allegedly refused to help because he could not name the attackers. The company’s lawyer noted that video recordings could help identify them.
A woman said that one of the children taking part in the celebration allegedly stole her mobile phone. According to the company, she does not yet want to open a criminal case, as she primarily wants to get her phone back. A man from Rustenburg is also preparing to file a report after an alleged attack by a child in a school uniform, according to Tshenolo.
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Damage to buses and a fatal attack
Videos circulated on social media showing children dousing cars, buses and motorcycle couriers with water. In some recordings, drivers trying to avoid being doused nearly drove into groups of children, while couriers fell from their motorcycles.
The City of Tshwane reported damage to two buses in the Lotus Gardens and Danville areas. In Lotus Gardens, young people blocked the road, verbally abused the bus driver and demanded that the doors be opened, after which some members of the group climbed onto the roof of the vehicle. In Danville, the driver was doused with water, while buckets and a stone that smashed a side window were thrown at the bus. The city said no one was injured in either incident.
Sowetan also reported that a 21-year-old man was fatally stabbed during Spring Day celebrations in Refilwe near Cullinan. According to police, this was preceded by an alleged altercation with a 53-year-old man who had been doused with water.
