BOPHELONG – What started as a minor scuffle at a local tavern over spilled beer quickly turned into a disturbing tale of survival for a 28-year-old man from Movhango Extension 10.

Tsietsi Sout found himself waking up in Sebokeng Hospital after a brutal attack left him hacked with pangas, stoned, and left for dead.

The chilling incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 6 when Sout visited Mzwandile’s tavern with a friend.

The father of a two-year-old girl said he was ambushed inside the tavern allegedly over spilled beer.

According to the man visibly in pain, the same gang of armed men followed him on his way home.

Speaking to Ster South, Sout recounted the terrifying events leading up to his blackout.

“All I recall was being fought, but for what, I don’t recall. All I ever remember was waking up at the hospital with painful injuries to my head and body,” he said.

Sout said his friends explained that they left the tavern after the initial confrontation. However, the same gang pursued them, hacking him to near death.

“I fell when the gang chased us. They caught up, hacked me, and left me for dead. My family tells me they found stones, pangas, and other weapons near my body when they were called to the scene,” he added.

The viciousness of the attack is evident in Sout’s recollection.

“They were prepared to kill me. I am told that I was stoned while I was pressed on the neck and being hacked. I’m not content with my injuries; I wish I could avenge my incident, but I will let the law play its role.”

Sout recently returned home after spending several days in the hospital, where he received treatment, stitches, and wound staples.

Vanderbijlpark police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu said a case docket of Assault GBH has been opened.

“The complainant was beaten up with bricks and pangas. The investigation is ongoing and there are no arrests yet,” he said.