A KwaZulu-Natal street child — who allegedly stole money, clothing and jewellery from a car — was picked up, thrown into the boot of the car and then assaulted, police said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Captain Edmund Singh said the incident took place in Chatsworth’s Crofdene area in Durban at about 9.15pm.
”The 13-year-old apparently stole items to the value of R3 800 from a man’s car.
”Later that night, five men caught the boy near an Engen garage and locked him in the boot of the Honda Ballade,” said Singh.
The teenager was taken to a location in Havenside where he was allegedly assaulted.
”We have arrested both parties — the five men and the boy. They will appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court tomorrow [Thursday],” said Singh.
The incident comes a month after two teenage street children, accused of shoplifting, were set alight in Chatsworth’s Montford area. Both died in hospital.
”We believe these were isolated incidents but we will be keeping an eye on the street children to ensure their safety, and also see if they are contributing to the crime in the area,” said Singh. – Sapa