Mall red cards its Santa after fight

SANTA Claus was stripped of his red garb after being involved in a fight with a relative at Hemingways Mall.

Beacon Bay resident Eugene Henning has since opened a case of assault against Santa, whose real name is Gary Rusch – his son-in-law.

The incident happened on Wednesday in full view of shoppers and children waiting to have their picture taken with Santa.

Henning claimed: “I was standing there when Santa approached and asked me to leave because my presence was interrupting him.”

Rusch, an East London magician, is often hired to provide entertainment at corporate events and at children’s parties.

Four security guards asked Henning to vacate the premises.

Henning said: “It was really embarrassing – it made me look and feel like a criminal.”

Henning alleged that Rusch came up to him, shouting and screaming, before smacking him.

East London police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi confirmed the assault complaint against Rusch.

Rusch declined to comment, saying it was “no big deal”.

Mall marketing manager Estée Roos said Rusch had since been relieved of his duties as Santa and that “alternative actors have been secured to take over this role for the duration of the holiday season”.

Zimkitha Apleni, who works at a stall near Santa, said it was clear the two men had history.

She said the assault came out of nowhere.

“The older guy was standing there when Santa just got up and started shouting at him before slapping him.

“Luckily security was around and stopped them before anything else happened,” Apleni said .

She said the fight upset children, who wanted their pictures taken with Santa.

The display was closed for the day.