By: Natasha Archary
A 50-year old white man has been arrested for assaulting a 16-year old boy in Groblersdal. Apart from kicking the teenager and stomping on his chest as he lay on the ground, the man brandished a firearm throughout his attack.
#JusticeForKopano has trended since the incident on Wednesday night, hours before Youth Day.
Kopano Makweng was assaulted outside a fast-food for reportedly asking the 50-year old to pass him the salt.
This according to his mother who spoke to media after her son was taken to the hospital.
The incident was caught on video but none of the eyewitnesses present intervened to stop Kopano’s attacker because he was armed.
Disclaimer: The video contains graphic violence and may not be suitable to sensitive viewers
Limpopo police have since arrested the 50-year old, whose identity is being protected until he appears at the Groblersdal Magistrates Court on Monday.
His firearm has also been confiscated and he will face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as well as for pointing a firearm.
The boy’s mother Julia Makweng said she’s concerned the attack will affect her son’s health as he suffers from asthma.
She told media that Kopano had intervened after the man pushed his brother and a cousin when they asked him to pass them the seasoning.
It was then that the man started assaulting Kopano, who sustained injuries to his ribs and legs.
The attack triggered many angry reactions on social media, with many calling on authorities to give the family #JusticeForKopano.
Also read: 4 social issues affecting the youth of today
