Car guard Xolisile Nogwele was brutally assaulted by two men at eBuhlanti Marina, Glen beachfront in East London, for asking them to move the car.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred while the security guard was performing his routine duties at the beachfront, an area frequented by families, tourists, and local residents. The incident, which was captured on camera and later widely shared on social media, has sparked national outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of security personnel tasked with maintaining order in public spaces. Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, SAPS spokesperson, said police had moved quickly after the footage circulated and had arrested he two men.
“The SAPS confirms the arrest of two suspects in connection with a viral video depicting the assault of a security guard at eBuhlanti Marina Glen in East London,” she said.
The incident triggered TRU FM radio host Samora Mangesi, who shared his story on how he was assaulted by different people in 2019. He shared how he had little faith in the justice system after his case fell through. He said he hopes Nogwele gets the justice he deserves.
“I have very little faith in the South African Criminal Justice System, from the boots on the ground right up to the benches and gavels. The incident at Marina Glen / Ebuhlanti in East London triggered me deeply, especially after seeing the arrogance of this man in the video,” Mangesi said.
“Some of you will remember that in 2019, I was assaulted and landed up in hospital in an unrelated attack. We had details, names, witnesses and a video of the perpetrators. It was a global news story covered by the biggest publications on every continent, and I even had in-person meetings with the Deputy Minister of Justice. Still… to this day.”
Mangesi said, watching that video, he realised something: “ikhona lento abazithembe ngayo aba – they know they’ll get away with it because they’ve probably done it before, because there are very few consequences for people with resources and networks,” he stated.
“Bribery is woven into our systems. For many people to even do their jobs, you’re expected to ‘offer a cool drink.’ And if you won’t… the offender probably will, and they walk free. Let’s keep the pressure on Fleet Street. Safety in our city, province and country won’t come from dramatic statements or public grandstanding; it will come from consistent, small acts of accountability every time there is wrongdoing and injustice.”
