Musina Spar manager, security guard charged with GBH for allegedly setting customer alight

Musina Spar manager, security guard charged with GBH for allegedly setting customer alight

The Spar that is at the centre of the burning of a customer in Musina, Limpopo, has resumed operating.

The store went back to business on Monday following talks with local leaders of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Local red berets’ leader Alpheus Mamafa was instrumental into Svodai Mugumbo’s rescue.

The store manager allegedly doused Mugumbo with methylated spirit and his security guard colleague then set her on fire for allegedly stealing from the shop.

Mamafa has told Local Voices that they found the woman with the security guard who was putting bandage on her wounds while trying to convince her not to go to hospital.

Three men, including the security guard and the manager, have been arrested for the crime.

Radali Norman, Tshikwatamba Vhutshilo and John Vanloggerenber appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Limpopo Police Spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe says they were charged with grievious bodily harm (GBH) and were each granted R1 000 bail.

They are due back in court next week Thursday.

Mamafa is urging retailers not to take the law into their own hands when dealing with people who they suspect of theft.  

“We as the EFF are all over – we are watching this thing. Shops must not take the law into their hands. They must report such incidents to the police; otherwise as EFF will tackle them if they violate people’s human rights,” he says.

Mamafa says COVID-19 restrictions have made it difficult for community members to go visit Mugumbo in hospital.

However, they plan assisting her with some essential necessities once she is discharged from hospital.