Litchi thief tortured and tied to a tree

VERULAM – Reaction Unit South Africa was called out to a home in (address withheld) to attend to a case of theft. When Reaction Officers stood down at the residential premises at approx. 21:30 they found a male handcuffed to a tree with severe bodily & facial injuries. Two (2) incense sticks were found alight next to his feet.

Reaction Officers were informed that the man had gained entry onto the property & stole litchis from several trees. He was confronted the homeowner & his family who restrained him to a tree & whipped him with sjamboks & sticks. Officers found the man to have suffered extensive injuries. The handcuffs were removed.

The homeowner did not desire a criminal case of theft & the suspect was not detained. When interviewed, the injured man opted to leave without opening a case of assault with intention to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). He further declined medical treatment. Pictures are blurred to protect his identity.