Racial fight turns into 4 years imprisonment
On January 6 in 2018 WITBANK NEWS did an article about a night out that turned into a racial fight
The happenings of that cruel night are still a black hole for Mthunzi Sibuyi as he cannot remember anything of the incident that almost took his life.
On January 6 in 2018 WITBANK NEWS did an article about a night out that turned into a racial fight.
This assault turned into an attempted murder case after Mthunzi Sibuyi then 21 years old got beaten up so badly and ended up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“On the video footage a group of youngsters can be seen socializing at a table inside the restaurant and the suspect and his sons were opposite them. In less than five minutes the laughter turned into hysterical screams as the suspect followed the victim to the door and beat him for no apparent reason,” the article stated.
On July 9 after several court hearings and postponements over a year this case came to an end as the suspect, Jacobus Johannes Els was found guilty and sentenced to four years imprisonment.
“We are glad that this case came to an end, it took its toll on Mthunzi but he is doing well and coping with studies and all that. Firstly justice is served and secondly I just want to say well done to the great prosecuting team that handled this case,” Mandla Kenny, Mthunzi’s father said.
Although Mthunzi is still attending doctor’s appointments for his injury and wearing hearing aids, the family is looking to open a civil case because of all the medical expenses and emotional trauma Els has put them through.
“It is never nice to see anyone heading to prison or get sentenced, but he is an example that assault and racial comments are not just something small and there will be consequences. It is so sad for me that he never showed remorse whatsoever. Not even after a year has past, nothing,” Kenny concluded.
