Handcuffed to a tree and whipped for ‘stealing litchis’

A MAN who was caught stealing litchis from the property of a well-known Verulam family was allegedly handcuffed to a tree and whipped with a sjambok.

A source told the POST that the property had over 10 litchi trees.

The “thief” was allegedly assaulted by the family. The owner of the property was not at home at the time.

The source said two incense sticks were found next to the man’s feet.

“The family said he was smelling so bad that they lit the incense to try and get rid of his body odour.”

Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), said when officers arrived at the house, they found the man handcuffed to a tree with severe body and facial injuries.

“Two incense sticks were found alight next to his feet. Officers were informed that the man had gained entry to the property and stole litchis from several trees.

“He was confronted by the homeowner and his family, who restrained him to a tree and whipped him with sjamboks and sticks.

“The man suffered extensive injuries,” Balram said.

“Reaction officers removed the handcuffs and freed the man.

“The homeowner did not want to open a criminal case of theft and the suspect was not detained.

“When interviewed, the injured man opted to leave without opening a case of assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm. He further declined medical treatment,” Balram added.

Social media users commenting on the Rusa Facebook page, said while they did not condone the man’s action, the punishment inflicted on him was “unreasonable and unacceptable”.

The post garnered more than 500 comments less than an hour after it was put up.

Some praised the homeowner for his action, saying entering a private property and stealing was wrong.

“Today is litchis, tomorrow is valuables,” commented one reader.