A recent ‘bash’ held in the Laudium CBD has resulted in a number of fights taking place, mostly due to alcohol abuse, with the Laudium Sun inundated with calls from irate parents and patrons who attended the bash, calling for the organizers to be held liable and accountable for the violent events that transpired that night.
The bash to which the public was invited to attend at a fee, was held this past Saturday evening (August 27) at the dilapidated Laudium Civic Centre and continued way after midnight. According to reports received, there were at least three fights that took place inside and outside the Civic Centre, during the early hours of Sunday morning, whilst the bash was going on, allegedly by those who were intoxicated due to alcohol.
In one of the incidents, the Laudium Sun was told of a fight between two young men, who had an argument over a ‘minor’ matter, during the early hours of the morning as the party continued, way after midnight. However as both men were apparently intoxicated, this led to a fight, resulting in serious injuries sustained.
A witness, who only wanted to be identified as ‘Pervy’, said, “I was at the party on Saturday night, when I noticed these two younger looking guys; the one about 19 and the other perhaps around 25 years old. They were arguing about something stupid, and it was obvious that they were intoxicated. Then both, who had beer bottles in their hands, went towards each other face to face. They grabbed each other and both dropped to the floor inside the hall. The one guy, who they called Daniel, got seriously cut by the glass beer bottle, that was broken. I am not sure if the other guy broke the bottle and slashed Daniel on his face, or it was an accident, when they both hit the ground. Another fight also broke out outside by someone else who was also drunk. The guy apparently hit his girlfriend, and her brother got into a fight with him. I just feel that when organizers host such events, they should ensure that there is security both inside and outside the place, especially if alcohol is allowed.”
The Laudium Sun contacted, Daniel Moloko who is a resident of Agra Street East, for a comment, who said, “I have nothing to say, as I have already reported the matter to the police and just hope that I will get justice.”
The Laudium Sun was then told that the other party involved in the fight was Nakiel Naidoo. Nakiel, told the Laudium Sun, “I do not deny that there was an argument between myself and Daniel, which was actually a misunderstanding. We both fell to the ground whilst we both had beer bottles in our hands. The bottle that Daniel was holding, broke at the time of the fall and that is how Daniel got hurt with cuts all over his hands as well.”
Nakiel’s father, Kamlin, told the Laudium Sun, “Despite my son explaining to you guys, I still want to clear my son’s name. He did not stab anyone and is not responsible for the injuries the other guy sustained.”
In response, Sergeant Simon Chokoe of the Laudium Police told the Laudium Sun, “The South African Police Service in Laudium investigated a case of assault with the purpose on 2022-08-28 in the early hours of the morning, on Tangerine Street at the Laudium Community Hall, while a bash took place by community members. Police were performing normal duties at the Client Services Center when victim entered the police station bleeding on his upper body. The victim alleged that he got stabbed with a sharp object by an unknown suspect. The reason for the stabbing is unknown. A case of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm was opened at the Laudium Police Station for investigation. The victim was taken to the Laudium hospital for treatment. No arrest has been made yet.”
