Saturday night brawl at waterfront

WHAT should have been an enjoyable night out turned into a nightmare for three Richards Bay friends who became victims of assault at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront.

The trio arrived at the waterfront just after 10pm on Saturday and, while walking from the car park to one of the restaurants, passed a group of four men and one woman.

It is alleged they were rugby players, three from Richards Bay and one from Empangeni.

The worst injured of the victims gave his version of the incident:

‘As we walked passed them, the woman said, ‘Hello Oom’ to our group and one of my friends responded by saying ‘Hello Tannie’.

‘This appeared to rile up the group and the guys approached us and asked if we were looking for trouble.

‘While we explained we didn’t want any trouble, and that we were happy to go our separate ways, I received the first blow which knocked me to the ground, and was further kicked while on the ground.

‘They then separated our group and hit one of my friends with an elbow in his face and punched him in the nose.’

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The victim said the assault did not stop there as the group came back with more intimidation and threats, and further punches were given while one victim was seated, even in the midst of others attempting to put a stop to it.

One perpetrator reportedly threatened to drown one of the victims in the harbour.

The following morning, the perpetrators were instructed by their club to apologise to the victims.

Initially happy to let the matter lie, one of the victims was later informed about a further incident the same night,allegedly involving some of the same players, as well as previous incidents.

‘It was then that I decided to lay charges and was satisfied when the club arranged a disciplinary hearing against these players,’ said the victim.

‘However, while the club was in the prime position to take a stand against these players and show they do not condone such behaviour, they failed to seize this opportunity and, by letting them off with a verbal warning, have – in my opinion – instead showed they do condone this behaviour of violence and assault by their players.’

‘In the meeting on Sunday, where I was present, they admitted to wrongdoing. They were not forced to apologise but chose to.

‘So proof of guilt is there, yet the club has given them only a verbal warning,’ said a second victim.

The club confirmed the verbal warning issued to the players in question but declined to comment further.

A case of common assault was opened at Richards Bay Police Station and spokesperson Captain Debbie Ferreira confirmed the detectives are investigating.

The docket will be sent to the Senior State Prosecutor for a decision.