Couple assaulted in ‘racist’ mall attack

The couple – Zoran Ramos, 26, and Natalie Spence, 28 – said they had finished their shopping at a store at the East Rand Galleria shopping centre earlier this month when a group of about 15 people proceeded to verbally abuse and assault them, Boksburg Advertiser reported.

“The woman who had been helped before us was still standing at the till, and I asked her if she could please move up a bit,” said Ramos.

The woman allegedly refused and began shouting racial slurs at the couple, who apparently then walked away. A second woman allegedly also joined in, and a verbal confrontation ensued. Ramos claimed they were soon surrounded by a large group of people, who then started assaulting him and his girlfriend.

“We were punched and kicked multiple times; at one stage, I saw one tall guy, who had also hit my girlfriend, kicking her so that her head slammed into tiles, which caused a horrific injury,” Ramos said.

According to an eyewitness, Jessica Smith, the couple were referred to as “white pigs” by their alleged attackers. Smith added Spence was bleeding profusely as she screamed for them to stop.

“The couple were on the floor, unable to move or get away, screaming out for help, yet not even the security guards aided them,” Smith said.

According to Smith, the police were called while the assault occurred, but no one arrived at the scene.

Spence allegedly sustained a minor concussion and a gash on her forehead, while Ramos suffered multiple injuries, including fractured ribs.

“The SAPS is looking into inquiring if there is video footage of the incident, which will aid the investigation,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Juanita Coetzer said.

– Caxton News Service