Tongaat man who was beaten after accusing bank of theft, dies in hospital

Assaulted and bleeding, a Tongaat resident was left on the pavement outside his bank on Saturday after allegedly accusing the bank of theft, later dying of his injuries.

The young upcoming musician from Emagwaveni township died on Sunday after he was allegedly beaten with a knobkerrie by security guards at the Capitec bank in Tongaat.

Nhlakanipho Gumede (29) went to the branch on Saturday, reportedly to make enquiries after money he had deposited for his family in northern KZN last Friday, had allegedly gone missing.

His brother, Jan Gumede, said Nhlakanipho was worried that the money had been stolen and did not wish for his family to think he had pocketed the money for himself.

“He deposited R1 000 for our family in Ngwavuma but they only received R500, so he went back there to ask about that. He was told that he must return on Tuesday because the person who had assisted him was off duty. He asked the manager to give a written confirmation that it was the bank’s fault. That’s when an argument broke out between him and the manager,” said Gumede.

Security guards were called and allegedly assaulted him.

“He was left lying on the side of the road, bleeding and no ambulance was called. I was called by people who know me. I was at work, but I had to rush there. When I got there, my brothers had already taken him to the clinic where he was transferred to hospital. He died on Sunday morning.”

Police spokesperson captain Nqobile Gwala said a security guard was arrested in connection to Nhlakanipho’s death.

“A 40-year-old man was arrested for murder. He is expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday,” said Gwala.

Capitec spokesperson Chandré Matlala said Capitec was shocked and deeply saddened by the death.

“The security guard in question has been arrested and we are working closely with the South African Police Service to further investigate the incident. We are also in direct contact with Mr Gumede’s family during this difficult time. We do not condone the use of violence in any form or behaviour that goes against our company values. We have offered counselling to our staff and clients who were there and experienced the event,” said Matlala.

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