Following the arrest and subsequent bail of its employee for allegedly pranking a 17-year-old minor into drinking oven acid disguised in a cool drink bottle, Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery took to social media regarding the incident, reports Cape {town} Etc.
In its statement, the Mitchell’s Plain-based butchery stated that it would not be commenting further on the specifics of the case.
‘This notice refers to the recent incident involving two of our employees at Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery, that has resulted in criminal charges being laid,’ the butchery said, addressing its customers and the greater community of Cape Town.
‘This is now a matter before the courts, and as such, we will not be commenting further on the specifics of the case nor taking any public position at this time.’
The butchery added that an internal investigation is currently underway.
‘We want to make it clear that we remain respectful, while being focused on maintaining a safe working environment for all our staff and customers. We trust that the legal process will determine the facts and outcome of the incident in due course,’ the statement continued.
‘We are further conducting an internal investigation while fully cooperating with the South African Police Service.’
Mitchell’s Moslem Butchery also commented on the health status of the minor, another employee at the establishment who was hospitalised as a result of the alleged prank.
‘We are ever grateful to the Almighty that our employee is making progress in hospital and is on his way to recovery,’ the butchery said.
‘Our commitment remains to our staff, customers and the community. We want to assure your that despite this situation, our operations continue as normal and we remain focused on providing the highest standards of quality and services that everyone has grown accustomed to.’
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The 53-year-old manager, who was arrested after the incident, made his first brief court appearance at the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 May, where it was heard that the butchery’s management was willing to take him back.
The case was postponed to 12 August for further investigation and he was granted bail of R1 000 on condition that he stays away from Woodlands, Mitchell’s Plain for the time being.
The court added, however, that an application can be brought to the court to allow him into the area if tension within the community alleviates.
A 17-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after he was allegedly pranked into drinking acid disguised in a cool drink bottle at a butchery in Mitchells Plain, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The shocking incident took place just after midday on Sunday, 11 May 2025. According to police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana, Lentegeur police have opened an attempted murder case as investigations continue.
‘It is alleged that the 17-year-old victim was pranked into drinking a liquid from a cool drink bottle which contained acid. He got cramps and vomited, whereafter he was admitted to a medical facility to receive medical treatment,’ said Manyana.
The disturbing nature of the incident has sparked concern among residents, with questions being raised about how the dangerous liquid ended up in a food outlet and why the prank was carried out.
The incident was only reported the following day by a family member, according to the SAPS.
Following the report, the butchery was shut down pending further investigation, with authorities still trying to determine how the acid ended up in the drink and who was responsible for giving it to the teen. At this stage, no arrests have been made.
The teen’s current condition has not been publicly confirmed, but police have indicated he is receiving ongoing medical care.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Article originally written and published by Cape etc
Feature image: Pexels
