A SUPERMARKET worker left traumatised after he was brutally assaulted allegedly by his boss on Saturday, 28 February.
Tommy Masingwaneng (26) went to work at a supermarket in Bothaville in the Free State as usual, unaware that the day would end in a traumatic ordeal.
The incident has left him physically injured and emotionally shaken, raising serious concerns about workplace safety and the treatment of employees.
Like any other shift, he arrived at work expecting a normal day, not knowing that events would later unfold that would leave him injured and emotionally shaken.
"The situation got worse towards knock-off time when my manager accused me of being drunk. A heated argument followed between us. The manager physically attacked me. He became angry when I questioned why he had searched me several times after I went to the toilet, yet he claimed I smelled of alcohol. I felt offended because I did not understand where he thought I could have gotten alcohol while I was on duty," he claimed.
Tommy said he feels deeply undermined and embarrassed by the incident.
The father of three explained that the assault has had a profound impact, not only on him personally but also on his children and family as a whole.
He said the emotional and psychological toll of the attack has disrupted their sense of security and well-being.
His sister Masingwaneng Mothebe said the family is demanding justice for their son.
"I'm the one who took my younger brother to Nala Hospital for medical treatment. He was bleeding and had serious injuries on his head. He was harshly beaten. Yet we are surprised to see the suspect still roaming the streets. We want justice for our son. He shouldn't have to be assaulted," she said.
Masingwaneng also revealed that she has a pending case against the same supermarket where her brother was allegedly assaulted.
She told Daily Sun that she was unfairly dismissed from the store during her time as an employee. She added that the family has long-standing grievances with the management.
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The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Bothaville and across the province, with many residents expressing shock and anger over the alleged assault.
Community members have accused the supermarket of mistreating employees, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the matter.
Fed-up members of the EFF, alongside concerned community members, have recently picketed outside the supermarket, demanding the immediate arrest of the suspected manager.
Police spokeswoman Sergeant Palesa Thabana said: "We can confirm that Bothaville police are investigating a case of assault common that allegedly occurred at a local supermarket.
"The victim came to report the matter at Bothaville police station," Thabana said.
Thabana said after the investigating officer observed that the victim was not in a good state, the victim was advised to go home, sober up, and come back to open the case.
"The victim then opted to return the following day, and he was assisted in opening the case. Bothaville detectives are in the process of obtaining witness statements. After that, the case docket will be taken to court for a decision. No arrests have been made at this stage," she said.
Efforts to obtain comment from the supermarket's communications team have so far been unsuccessful.
