Groblersdal teen assault: Corrie Pretorius ‘fears for his life’
A Limpopo man arrested in connection with the assault of a 16-year-old boy at a shopping mall in Groblersdal has told the court that he fears for his life.
The 50-year-old man, Corrie Pretorius, appeared in the local magistrate's court on Friday for a bail hearing.
He was arrested last week Wednesday on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Speaking through his lawyer, Advocate J.J Venter, the accused told a packed courtroom that he is traumatised by the events of that night.
"My release on bail will not induce shock or outrage in the public, my safety will not be jeopardised by my release on bail. Due to the charges and allegations in the media, my life is under threat in the correctional services.
I have been severely assaulted while incarcerated and there is a possibility that I will be assaulted again. I am currently under medical stress because I have not received my chronic medication since my arrest. I am deeply traumatised by what transpired and I am constantly faced with the threat of a life-ending attack in prison."
Pretorius told the court that he is the breadwinner of his family and can only afford a bail amount of R20 000.
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the courthouse to demand Pretorius remain behind bars.
Background
His arrest followed video footage showing him allegedly kicking the teenager repeatedly as his friends plead for mercy.
The incident, which went viral on social media, took place at a shop in Groblersdal Game Shopping Centre on Wednesday night.
Limpopo police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo said the assault was sparked by an incident at a local fish and chips outlet where the boy had asked the man to pass him the salt.
An argument then erupted over who should use the seasoning first.
The man also allegedly pointed a firearm at the teenager.
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