Newcastle teen dies after violent attack while walking home

A violent altercation in Hutten Heights, Newcastle, in the early hours of Sunday morning claimed the life of 17-year-old Henrico Oosthuizen, who died after being struck on the head, allegedly with either a baseball bat or a pipe.

Newcastle Advertiser reports that a man has since been arrested and will this week appear in court on charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Fight reportedly started outside pub

Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS corporate communications unit says the incident occurred on Gemsbok Street at about 02:00, after a fight broke out between two men outside a local pub.

“One of the men then ran away, only to be chased by several patrons,” she says.

Arumugam says Henrico and his friend continued on foot to Gemsbok Street, where they were confronted by a man in a bakkie who alighted from the vehicle and threatened that he would ‘put (Henrico) in his place’.

“His friend intervened, and the man returned to his vehicle to fetch an object which they first thought was a firearm. Fearing he would shoot them, they fled for about 30 metres when they turned around to see that he was carrying either a baseball bat or a pipe.”

According to police, the pair confronted the man, and Henrico was struck on the head with the object, allegedly by the man, causing him to fall to the ground. His friend was also assaulted when he attempted to intervene, suffering injuries to his arm and shoulder blade.

Their alleged attacker then sped off in his bakkie.

In a Back-a-Buddy account started after the attack to raise money for his surgery and post-operative care, Lizelle Oosthuizen called Henrico a ‘hero’, writing that he was a ‘strong, healthy and kind-hearted boy’. “[He] was walking home when he witnessed another boy being attacked with a bottle. Without thinking twice, Henrico ran forward to help. But in the next moment, everything changed. Another man came from behind and attacked Henrico with a baseball bat, hitting him on the head. The attackers jumped into a car and sped off, leaving him unconscious on the ground.”

Emergency surgery and fundraising effort

The friend took Henrico to a friend’s house, where they intended to stay the night. However, at about 03:00, Henrico started suffering seizures and was rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery.

Tragically, Henrico died yesterday.

Family devastated

His family subsequently updated the fundraising page, saying:

“It is with deep sadness that we share Henrico passed away yesterday morning from his injuries. His family is shattered, and there are still many medical bills that need to be paid for his surgery, ICU care, specialist care, and more. We kindly ask that, if you are able, you continue to contribute. Every amount helps cover the remaining costs and supports his parents during this incredibly painful time. Thank you to everyone who has donated, prayed and shared his story.”

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