A man from Heidelberg lost his life in a cold room after he was left there as punishment for stealing chocolate from a Shoprite shop.
Following the tragic death of 33-year-old Bandile Tshabalala, the police have initiated an inquest to understand the circumstances that led to his demise at a Shoprite store. The incident has sparked outrage in the community of Ratanda in Heidelberg, who gathered outside a local mall to protest.
Fatal Punishment For A Man For Stealing Chocolate
According to Zimoja, reports suggest that Tshabalala was confined in a cold room by the store manager for over 11 hours as a punishment measure for allegedly stealing chocolate. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza mentioned that both Tshabalala and another individual accused of shoplifting were detained at the back of the store. “At closing time, the 33-year-old complained of severe stomach pains. Paramedics were summoned, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene,” Kweza stated.
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Man dies in cold room at Shoprite after stealing chocolate-Image Source@ReutersTshabalala’s sister, Simangele, recounted the heartbreaking scene to the Daily Maverick. She recalled being called to the mall on Sunday night, where she found her brother’s body lying outside Shoprite. “It was devastating. His body was stiff and cold; it was clear he died trying to keep warm, with his hands wrapped around his upper body,” she said.
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Store Cooperating with the Police
In a statement released late yesterday, Shoprite expressed their condolences to the Tshabalala family and acknowledged the severity of the allegations. The company assured that appropriate actions would be taken following a thorough investigation. “We cannot divulge details of the incident as it is under police investigation. However, we are fully cooperating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and providing all necessary information to aid their inquiry,” the statement read.