Sunday World (South Africa)

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- BUCHULE RABA

A CAPE Town lawyer and accountant had his festive holidays spoilt after he was allegedly attacked by bouncers at the 7th Buyel Ekhaya Music Festival.

The event took place in East London’s Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, Eastern Cape in December. Themba Nkohla of Ngculu Attorneys told police that he was allegedly pushed around, punched, kicked and pepper sprayed in the face when he returned from his car to change his wet clothes due to heavy rain.

East London police spokesman Mtati Tana confirmed that a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm was reported on December 20.

A 36-year-old man made the allegation that he was assaulted by bouncers at the entrance of the Buffalo Park Stadium and police were called. On investigat­ion into the matter police received informatio­n that the complainan­t was at the entrance, tried to enter the stadium without a valid ticket and was prevented from entering. Police attended to the complaint and an assault case was opened for investigat­ion. No arrest has been made,” said Tana.

Nkohla said: The tags were written no pass out’ but I pleaded with the security to go out and change my clothes because I was drenched from the rain and they agreed. When I came back they told me that I can’t enter and I told them I was there, I just went to change into dry clothes. When they were arguing with me I took out my Samsung Note 4 to take a video.

When I turned to call my brother-in-law who was inside they pepper sprayed me. They broke my glasses and I lost my sight. Four of them were kicking and punching me. I managed to run away to ask people for help. Three of the securities came and pepper sprayed me again in the eyes.”

Nkohla said he went to the police who went with him to identify the suspects but they did not arrest them. The security guy claimed that they just pushed me while I had serious blows in my face. The security boss who I pleaded with was Mike who was very rude and he chased me away like a piece of rubbish,” said Nkohla.

Mike Lord of the security company in charge of the event said: If he was assaulted he must go to the police and let them do their job.”

Organiser Tish Loving said she was aware of the incident. We do not have sufficient informatio­n regarding the alleged incident, and have launched an internal investigat­ion. We do not condone any acts of violence,” said Loving.

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