A mentally ill man was allegedly assaulted by four men in Hartswater.
A MENTALLY ill man, who was allegedly assaulted by four men in Hartswater, has been left severely traumatised, while his health has also reportedly deteriorated following the incident.
An eyewitness stated that the four men accused the man of stealing.
“The incident took place on the N18 near Hartswater on November 12, while the complainant (the mentally ill man) was walking along the road. The men climbed out of a bakkie and beat him to a pulp, where he sustained injuries to his ribs, arm, wrist and head,” said the witness.
“They tossed him into the bakkie and drove around with him, while one of the suspects sat on top of him, as we followed them to the police station. We had to take the complainant to the hospital in Hartswater for medical treatment.”
The witness added that the complainant, who is in his mid-20s, was still experiencing fainting episodes after he was discharged from the hospital.
“He started breaking the windows at his mother’s house because he can’t cope. The police told us that we should wait two weeks before they will begin investigating the matter,” the witness also claimed.
Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said yesterday that the Hartswater police were investigating a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after four men allegedly assaulted a man in Hartswater.
“Three of the suspects have been arrested, while another suspect is still on the run,” said Tawana.
“The investigation continues.”
