KNYSNA  NEW - The controversy around an incident in which four men were allegedly assaulted at a club in White Location has not abated. In the aftermath of the incident, the alleged victims opened a case against the owner of Club 702, Thami Duna, and his son. 

"Cases of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common assault were opened by two complainants," said Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies. "Two suspects aged 61 and 34 [Duna and his son] were arrested in the assault GBH matter. They are scheduled to appear again in court on 19 July."

Refutes claims

Duna, who has come under fire from community members concerning the incident, has rejected the claims that he and his son are guilty of assaulting Thando Meje, Teaspoon Kophe, Phelolethu Doyile and Sinethemba Mamase at his club on

16 May. After the incident, friends and family of the four alleged victims claimed that some of the injuries sustained were serious, and the young men were badly assaulted by Duna and his son, as well as a group of other men.

Duna recently denied the claims that he initiated the brawl, saying he was trying to break up a separate fight at his establishment when one of the four men initiated the conflict.

"While I was pulling a guy from the fight, one of the four attacked me, so I let go of the guy to face the person who attacked me," he said. According to Duna, the fracas moved outside, and after people began throwing "empty bottles" at his front door he grabbed a stick to defend himself and his establishment. He said in the fray, he struck ''one of the four guys but not the person they say I did".

Community response

Friends and family of the four young men have started a petition to close Club 702 for the duration of the investigation into the incident. "We want the place to be closed while the case is ongoing," said community member and friend Yolelwa Madolo. "Once the case is over and they have been sentenced, then we can see from there, but until then it must be closed."

According to Madolo, they have amassed nearly 250 signatures on their petition thus far. She also indicated that three of the four young men have recovered well from their injuries, and that some have returned to work too. "It is only Teaspoon who is really struggling with his eye, but he will get better soon," Madolo said.

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