Niece Busisiwe Maso wants justice for her uncle Andries Baloyi. Photo by Ntebatse Masipa
NEIGHBOURS allege that Andries Baloyi (39) and the tavern owner’s wife were buddies.
According to community members in Barcelona, Ekurhuleni, Andries and the woman shared an unusually close relationship.
They allegedly frequently touched each other inappropriately in public, which locals had come to accept as “normal” between the two.
However, things took a fatal turn on Sunday, 12 July.
Witnesses said a cheerful Andries allegedly approached the tavern owner’s wife and initiated their usual playful touching.
But this time, the woman was reportedly not in a good mood.
Instead of laughing it off, she allegedly lost her temper and went wild.
Witnesses alleged she brutally assaulted Andries until she completely passed due to exhaustion.
Paramedics were called in, but it was already too late. Andries was certified dead at the scene.
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In a fit of rage, angry abahlali allegedly stormed the tavern, completely destroying the property.
The woman and her husband were forced to flee for their lives.
The couple narrowly escaped death when cops rescued them from an angry mob that demanded instant revenge for Andries.
On Monday, 6 July, their anger moved from the streets to the police station.
Gatvol residents marched to the Etwatwa Police Station, demanding justice for Andries and the immediate arrest of the woman who allegedly beat him to death.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Andries’ heartbroken niece, Busisiwe Maso said: “We just want the police to tell us where they took them.
“We’re told she and my uncle used to touch each other inappropriately, so why did she take offence this time and assaulted my uncle until he died? We demand justice for my uncle.”
Busisiwe said what made them angry was that the police didn’t want to open any charges, saying her uncle died of natural causes.
“They didn’t want to open any case, saying he had no bruises. He was strangled and, and a knobkerrie was also on the sofa at the tavern owner’s house, which we believe was used on him.”
Etwatwa Station Commander Colonel Patrick Qangase said police were called to the scene and when they checked the body, nothing indicated that her uncle was assaulted with any object, leading to his death.
“Paramedics also came, and he was certified to have died of natural causes, and we went with the medics’ report,” he said.
Qangase said it was after the family and abahlali marched to the police station on Monday, 6 July, that he personally opened an inquest docket.
“The case is currently under investigation,” he said.