An angry mob of the community recently gathered outside Shoprite demanding answers after the death of a 33-year-old man inside a cold room.
The wrath follows after a men who was accused of stealing a bar of chocolate from Shoprite store in Ratanda, Heidelberg was allegedly locked inside the store cold room overnight, and subsequently died.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Noxolo Kweza said to IOL Ratanda police have opened a case of assault as well as an inquest docket.
“This follows an alleged incident where two men were locked at the back of the store. One of the men, aged 33, during closing time complained of stomach aches, paramedics were called and he was declared dead on scene.”
When approached for comment by the publication, the supermarket chain extended its condolences to the victim’s family following their loss.
“The allegations are seen in an extremely serious light and the necessary steps will be taken pending the outcome of a full investigation. We cannot comment on the details of the incident as it is a police matter, and the local South African Police Service (SAPS) should be contacted for more information.
“We always give our full cooperation and provide all available information to the SAPS to assist their investigation.”
X (formerly Twitter) users commented on the incident:
Makes no difference. Those responsible for locking him in that cold room need to be arrested
— TheVendaGuy (@TheVendaGuy) May 20, 2024
That’s still disturbing, they must freeze and lock themselves in the same room. That’s only fair
— Austine Msagala (@AustineMsagala) May 20, 2024
Please find out if he was indeed guilty . We can’t be having communities defending criminals to the extent of vandalizing shops.
— Four-Legged Tripod (@Barffoon) May 20, 2024
Also see: WATCH: Uber Eats driver robbed by school kids
