Cape Town – The 50-year-old man, Corrie Pretorius, who was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a 16-year boy and pointed a gun at him during an argument over salt seasoning at a food outlet in Limpopo, has reportedly pleaded for bail.
Pretorious appeared at the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Friday and begged to be released on bail, insisting that he had been assaulted in custody, IOL reported.
Pretorius was arrested last week after a video in which he could be seen dragging, kicking and stomping the teenager with a gun in his hand went viral on social media.
Pretorius told the court through his legal representative, advocate JJ Venter that his life was in danger in the correctional service, adding that his release on bail would not disturb public order, the report said.
Investigating officer Jaffie Skhosana says Groblersdal community members are angry about the severe assault of a 16-year-old. He says the accused is safer inside prison as his life could be at risk should he be granted bail. #DSv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/A63t36Mbar
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 24, 2022
“Due to the nature of the charges as currently detailed by the media, my life is under threat in the correctional services. As conveyed to the SAPS by my legal representative, I have been severely assaulted while incarcerated, and it cannot be stated that I am not faced with the distinct possibility of being assaulted again,” the report quoted Pretorius as saying in an affidavit
However, the state opposed bail, stating that it had no knowledge of Pretorious’ attack while in custody, reported News24.
Investigating officer Sergeant Jappie Skosana, who was called to the stand to give evidence, said no case had been opened in relation to the alleged incident, the report said.
Shutdown to groblersdal pic.twitter.com/FTxD3w2u1f
— EG (@egmahlatse) June 24, 2022
Skosana believed that Pretorius would, in fact, be in danger if released on bail.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members protested outside Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court calling for no bail for Pretorius.
The bail application was set to continue.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
