A 23-year-old man suffered severe burns to his lower face, arms, sections of his back and upper thighs after he was scalded with boiling water, allegedly at a Mooi River supermarket.

On February 25 at about 5.30pm the man entered the store to purchase meat. Upon entering, he accidently bumped into another man.

The 23-year-old quickly apologised and continued shopping until the man he had encountered earlier approached him and allegedly slapped him across his face, causing his nose to bleed.

A fight between the men broke out after which it is believed the store manager approached the 23-year-old with four security guards, and took him to the store room, letting the other man leave.

According to a family member, it was in the store room where water was allegedly boiled and poured onto the man by security guards.

“The store’s manager has apologised since the incident, saying it was a mistake and has offered to pay for any hospital bill,” said the family member.

The man was taken to Northdale Provincial Hospital for burn treatment, where the doctor on duty advised him to file a case with police.
A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was registered at the Mooi River Police Station.

“Four suspects aged between 20 and 50 were arrested and they appeared in the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court on February 28,” said police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele.

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