Police dismiss Toninos assault case

The complainants, Teddy Samson and her two sons, want answers after the investigating officer called to inform them of the dismissal without formal court processes having been followed.

Samson’s gay son, Mclain told the North Eastern Tribune that he was horrified at the developments and did not have any faith in the Norwood police.

“I am disappointed at them (police) and I am worried as I do not understand why they (Tonino’s) were let off the hook. I was surprised when the investigating officer called to inform us that the case had been dismissed without clarifying further,” he said.

Asked how his family had taken the news, Mclain said, “We demand answers. Which is why this will not stop here, we have already laid a complaint with the provincial headquarters and are waiting a response.”

Norwood Police Station and Branch Commander, Colonel Zoleka Khuboni confirmed that the case had been dismissed and said she would investigate the reasons behind it. “I will definitely follow up on the matter as it is unusual for assault cases to be dismissed with no explanation,” she said.

In reaction to the article, Attack at eatery, published week ending 6 September, the restaurant’s manager Tony Figueira claimed it was fictitious and said he and his staff members were only trying to stop a fight that broke out between the Samsons and another patron.

“Unfortunately our involvement in trying to stop the fight has been over-exaggerated to a point of utter nonsense coming from the Samson family,” he said.

There were mixed reactions from patrons of the restaurant in light of the alleged assault.

Cathryn Butler said while the restaurant had a nice vibe and delicious food, there was no doubt that it was a ‘rough’ pub.

Butler also alleged that she had witnessed drug use on the premises.

Another patron, Klaus Walter said he had frequented Tonino’s at least twice a week for about 25 years, with business associates and friends.

He said he’d never experienced an unfriendly or threatening vibe at the restaurant.

“I always got compliments from my guests about the excellent food and the outstanding service,” he said.

However, Mandisa Bruggemann alleged that she had been assaulted by Figueira and his father and said one of her fingers remained disfigured after the Figueira’s slammed the door on her hand.

Figueira dismissed this allegation out of hand. “I have no recollection of who she is and the incident described,” he said.

“If she was asked to leave it would have been for a valid reason.”

Addressing the drug allegations, Figueira said he had been working with police to “stop this from happening in my pub”.