A 13-year-old boy died after allegedly being locked in a cold room overnight at a Shoprite supermarket, sparking tensions and threats from the local community.
CORRECTION: The victim that froze to death in the Shoprite supermarket was aged 33, and not 13 years old as previously reported.
Ratanda Shoprite courts backlash over teen death
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The tragic incident unfolded at the Ratanda Mall in Heidelberg, Gauteng, on Sunday.
According to reports, the boy, who had allegedly stolen a chocolate bar, was discovered the next day, frozen to death.
This incident has ignited a wave of outrage among the local community.
Heidelberg councillor Mari Boshoff expressed the community’s fury, revealing that many residents are threatening to burn down the Shoprite store.
According to Boshoff, the anger stems from the inhumane treatment of the boy and the perceived lack of accountability from the store’s management.
The councillor has called for calm, urging residents to allow the law to take its course, but the tension remains high.
Local police confirmed the boy’s death and stated that an investigation was underway.
The cold room, intended for perishable goods, became a fatal trap for the young boy, whose only alleged crime was attempting to take a chocolate bar.
Community members gathered outside the store on Monday, chanting and holding signs demanding justice for the boy.
When this article was published, the atmosphere was charged, with police maintaining a strong presence to prevent potential violence.
What will happen to the store manager?
The store manager, who allegedly locked the boy in the cold room, is at the centre of the controversy.
According to reports, the manager took this drastic measure after catching the boy stealing.
Shoprite has yet to release a detailed statement regarding the incident.
