Groblersdal Man Caught Assaulting Teen Given 12-Month Sentence or R12k Fine, SA Revolted by Slap on the Wrist

• A Limpopo man's sentence for an assault charge has South Africans questioning the country's justice system
• Corrie Pretorius was caught red-handed assaulting a teenager while brandishing a gun, but the court sentenced him to 12 months or a R12 000 fine
• The NPA has celebrated the sentence, claiming it will send a strong message to people who may commit similar crimes

GROBLERSDAL - South Africans believe a 16-year-old boy has been cheated of justice after his attacker was given a slap on the wrist by Groblersdal Magistrate's Court in Limpopo.

Corrie Pretorius was caught assaulting the teen on camera in June 2022 and was convicted of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But, when the time came for sentencing, Pretorius was given a measly 12 months' imprisonment or a R12 000 fine.

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The state withdrew the additional charge of brandishing a firearm because there was allegedly insufficient evidence, TimesLIVE reported.

Pretorius' attack on the teen goes viral on social media

The incident between Pretorius and the teen happened on 15 June at a shopping centre in the small Limpopo town. A bystander captured the attack in a short clip that spread across social media like wildfire.

The video showed Pretorius dragging the 16-year-old boy around on the ground while kicking him, stomping on him ad pointing a firearm at him. The teen did not try to fight back throughout the duration of the beating, News24 reported.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi praised the sentence, claiming it would send a strong message to future offenders.

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South Africans think otherwise and have accused the courts of racism.

This is what citizens are saying:

@Itsnasiphina grieved:

"It's really sad."

@mphoseeri said:

"Honestly, I am not surprised. What is R12K?"

@maanda_marikoc marvelled:

"Wow, R12K, like seriously. His lawyers must be very good."

@Tsholo92M added:

"We don’t take racism seriously in this country. What’s R12 000?"

@TshepoRase suggested:

"He must serve time without the option of a fine. The boy must now sue him."

Bheki Cele expected to visit birthday celebration mass shooting, sparking anger: “What does this visit do?”

In another story, Briefly News reported that Police Minister Bheki Cele is expected to visit the scene of a mass murder on Monday, 30 January, leaving many fuming.

At least eight people at a birthday party were killed when gunmen opened fire on a group on Sunday, 29 January. Cele and Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola are among those who will visit the crime scene.

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Bheki Cele comments on arrest of female police officer caught molesting 10-year-old son: "She is a criminal"

Police spokesperson Col Priscilla Naidu told TimesLIVE that two unknown gunmen entered a home in Kwazakele and randomly shot at guests. The shooting also left three people fighting for their lives in the hospital.

Source: Briefly News