A villager from Songeni near Thulamahashe in Mpumalanga is recovering in hospital after he was kicked and dragged by a cow he was tied to, losing most of his teeth in the process.
The Sowetan reported on Friday that the man had been accused by his
employer of spreading a rumour about him.
The employer allegedly sjambokked him and then tied him to the cow, which ran away kicking and dragging July Mathumbu (43) behind it.
Police confirmed the incident, but said no charges had been laid against the employer, Andrew Dzambukeri.
Police spokesperson Robert Makhubele said: ”We are aware of the incident, but have not received a complaint. We can only take action if the victim lays criminal charges against his alleged attacker.”
Mathumbu was recovering in the Tintswalo Hospital in Acornhoek where he was admitted on Thursday.
”My employer accused me of telling people about his criminal activities. He punished me by tying my hands, legs and neck with rope to the horns of his cow,” Mathumbu told the Sowetan while being transported to hospital.
He said the cow kicked him in the mouth, genitals, body and head.
Mathumbu said he was saved by community members who untied him.
Dzambukeri denied the allegations against him, saying Mathumbu was injured in a fight with another man. – Sapa