LISTEN: My boss degraded me, says Hartbeespoort Spar employee
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has declined to prosecute the owner of the Hartbeespoort Spar and Food Lovers Market, Chris Giannakopoulos.
Giannakopoulos was supposed to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrates Court on Monday after he allegedly assaulted several employees, including 30-year-old former employee Jacob Vurayai.
He has allegedly left the country.
The incident involving Vurayai is alleged to have taken place in August last year in full view of other employees and bystanders.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane, says the state decided not to prosecute because it did not believe it could do so successfully.
According to the Hartbeespoort Community Development Initiative's spokesperson Russel acob Baloyi, the prosecutor is of the opinion that the the witness’ statement doesn't corroborate with that of the victim.
"It takes my dignity away and he harassed me in front of many people. Even now I cannot work because my head was severely injured and I cannot work outside in the sun for a very long time," said Vurayai.
"Its a normal trend for someone who has power to pay people so that justice is delayed and hence if you are poor your rights are depressed. Even right now, if you go to Montana Spar and ask anyone, including the vendors, they will tell the story as it is. It's just them who are saying statements are contradicting, I am very disappointed indeed.”
The Zimbabwean national says he had worked as a driver for a year when the incident occurred.
He says he was overworked, sometimes working 16 hours a day.
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Baloyi said Giannakopoulos allegedly has a history of physically and verbally abusing employees.
"We are very disappointed that despite all the efforts we have made for the case to be in court, we are witnessing the justice rubbishing the ideals of our founding fathers who were determined to ensure all South Africans are treated as human beings. Going forward, we are going to see it that the matter is reviewed and goes back to court so that justice is served.”