According to City Press, Somizi Mhlongo’s attorney Stanley Hadebe was assaulted by more than five security guards at Lakeside Mall in Benoni earlier this month.
Hadebe told the publication that the guys assaulted him while using homophobic epithets, such as “stabane” and “moffie.”
The claimed incident occurred after the attorney visited a restroom intended for people with disabilities.
According to Hadebe, he used a disabled toilet when the women cleaning the men’s restroom refused to let him in because the floor was damp.
“As I exited the building, an unidentified male security officer approached me and demanded that I accompany him to the control room. I avoided him and continued to move. “I refused to walk with him and attempted to explain why I used the disabled restroom,” Somizi’s attorney stated.
Additionally, Conor McGregor denies attacking a woman and threatening to drown her.
He explains that the security guard summoned a number of reinforcements. According to reports, the men pulled him to the control room and abused him there. Allegedly, they also grabbed R1,500 from his wallet.
Although Hadebe recorded the encounter on his cellphone, he claims that the men requested that he delete the footage in their presence.
The famous attorney stated that he filed a complaint of assault on the same day, but the police rejected it because he could not identify the suspects.
Hadebe stated that he attempted to put the situation to rest on the condition that the men apologize, but they refused.
“I urged them to invite the security guards to the meeting so that they could apologize and we could put this subject to rest. They declined.”
“I also requested security footage from that day, but they refused, stating that they can only provide it to law enforcement.” Therefore, I had to return to the police station to file a report,” he stated.
According to City Press, Lakeside Mall manager Chantel Roemer stated that she is unable to comment because the SA Police Service is handling the case.
Roemer dismissed evidence that Hadebe was attacked.
“Our security supplier has conducted a thorough investigation into the incident and sent a comprehensive report, including video footage, to the center’s management. In addition, we met Mr. Hadebe in person.”
»Attorney for Somizi is a victim of “homophobic violence.”«