Angry residents of Seventh Avenue in Hooggenoeg Township have signed a petition to evict a foreign shop owner and stop him operating in the area.
Angry residents of Seventh Avenue in Hooggenoeg Township have signed a petition to evict a foreign shop owner and stop him operating in the area.
This comes after allegations that in front of a large crowd, the shop owner dragged and beat a fellow Pakistani.
The victim, who owns a shop nearby, is believed to be the attacker's brother. Ward 3 committee member Beaulah Douglas said the petition would be handed over to community leaders, including the Ward 3 councillor and Community Police Forum (CPF) sector commander.
CPF member Eric Douglas told Grocott's Mail on Thursday that he hoped the police would act. He expressed concern that residents were ready to take the law into their own hands.
Eyewitness Elvis Barry said of the incident on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 January, "I came out of the house and saw two guys – the Pakistan shop owner assisted by his black employee – beating the guy. They tied his arms against his back."
Barry said the victim was accused of stealing R3 000 from the suspect. Grahamstown Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and kidnapping, had been opened.
"Two 23-year-old males were arrested and are still in police custody," Govender said on Thursday 22 January.
"The victim was in Extension 6 when the suspects came and beat him using a stick, tied his arms against his back and threw him into the back of a bakkie." Govender said the victim was freed by Hi-Tec security guards in Hooggenoeg.
