RATANDA PUBLIC UP IN ARMS OVER SHOPRITE INCIDENT

[News]

Victim is a 33-year-old male, not a 13-year-old as was incorrectly reported by other media houses.

Police in Ratanda can confirm that a 33-year-old man has passed away following an incident at Shoprite in Ratanda yesterday evening (May 19).

According to Sergeant Moss Maluleke (Corporate Communications: Ratanda SAPS), police responded to a complaint on Sunday evening.

It is alleged that two men were searched inside the Shoprite supermarket on suspicion of shoplifting, and a 250ml bottle of Betadine was found inside the trousers of one of the men.

The suspects were taken to the rear of the store where they were kept in the storage cage while awaiting the arrival of the police.

It was during this time that Mr Bandile Tshabalala, one of the suspects, asked if he could use the bathroom. Security escorted him to the toilets and shortly after Mr Tshabalala started to complain of stomach pain.

Paramedics were called but according to Sergeant Maluleke, Mr Tshabalala was unfortunately declared deceased by the medical personnel on their arrival.

Upset community members, reacting to news that a 13-year-old had been locked in the Shoprite cold room for stealing a chocolate, caused damage to both the Shoprite store and the manager's car. The story of the 13-year-old is false news.

There is a strong POPS (Public Order Police) presence at the centre and the situation is currently calm. Investigations are ongoing at this time.

The Ratanda SAPS is once again requesting residents not to spread malicious, incomplete or untrue rumors as this may hamper the progress of the case.