RESIDENTS of Sodwana Bay, northern KZN want the law to take its course.
This is after a local restaurant and pub owner allegedly abused one of his employees.
Residents told the SunTeam the pub owner pepper-sprayed his gardener, Skhumbuzo Nsele, before burning him in the face with an acidic substance on Tuesday.
On Friday, residents marched to the pub and threatened to burn it down as payback for what he allegedly did to the 19-year-old from Qongwane.
Skhumbuzo’s mum, Sibongile (37), told Daily Sun her son was fighting for his life at The Bay Hospital in Richards Bay.
“Doctors said the burn wounds on my son’s face are of a serious nature. I want the man who did this to pay all the costs because we had to admit Skhumbuzo to a private hospital.”
“I also want the authorities to intervene because now there is proof that he is abusive and treats people very badly.”
Sibongile said the employer attacked Skhumbuzo after accusing him of stealing a grinder. He was apparently angered when Skhumbuzo told him another employee had borrowed it.
KZN police spokeswoman Captain Nqobile Gwala said a case of assault GBH was being investigated. “Three suspects, aged between 27 and 60, were arrested and charged. They appeared in court on Friday,” she said.
The other two suspects allegedly helped the owner pepper spray Skhumbuzo.
