The cruel attack against a Pick n Pay merchandiser, who was beaten in Ivory Park, caused an outcry from community members. The victim has now come forward about his ordeal.
David Rabadalela (29) was allegedly assaulted by a security guard in Ivory Park on 6 July. Rabadalela works at a Pick n Pay store as a merchandiser for Clover products.
He claimed he was beaten by a Hadlisa Security guard who allegedly had been instructed to do so by Pick n Pay store manager, Obed Chauke.
The security guard was arrested on 11 July and appeared in the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court the following day. According to Rabadalela, the accused was granted bail. The police confirmed the arrest and court appearance, but have not confirmed if the accused received bail.
Rabadalela added, “There had been a few disagreements between me and Chauke a couple of weeks prior to my beating. On 6 July when I returned from my lunch hour, the security accused me of being late. I found that to be disrespectful and untrue, but when Chauke heard about the matter he sided with the security and said that I was disrespectful and deserved to be handcuffed and beaten.”
Rabadalela said he was handcuffed and taken to a room outside the store where he was allegedly beaten for more than an hour until a stranger heard him screaming and pleaded for his release with the security guards.
The victim was released after apologising and allegedly begging for forgiveness from Chauke.
Rabadalela was admitted to Tembisa Hospital and later transferred to Life Carstenhof Hospital on 8 July. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home.
Pick n Pay Gauteng regional manager Mohammed Timol said internal investigations are still underway and, therefore, he cannot comment on the matter.
Clover’s Steven Velthuysen said the company will release a statement on the matter soon and cannot comment as yet. Hadlisa Security could not be reached for comment when called.
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