Cape Town Butchery Manager Arrested After Teen Allegedly Tricked Into Drinking Acid In Prank

The Woodlands community in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, is calling for a thorough investigation after a horrifying incident at a local butchery left a 17-year-old boy hospitalised. The teen was allegedly pranked into drinking acid from a cooldrink bottle while working as a casual employee at the butchery.

Police confirmed the arrest of Nuruddin Tembe, the 53-year-old manager of the establishment, three days after the incident. He was taken into custody on Wednesday and appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was granted bail of R1,000.

Teen Suffers Severe Reaction After Ingesting Acid

According to police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk, the incident occurred on Sunday at around 12:20pm.
“Lentegeur police are investigating an attempted murder case after an incident on Sunday at about 12.20pm at a butchery in Mitchells Plain. It is alleged the 17-year-old victim was pranked into drinking a liquid from a cooldrink bottle which contained acid,” said Van Wyk.

Shortly after consuming the liquid, the teenager reportedly experienced intense cramps and vomiting. He was rushed to a medical facility for urgent care. A family member reported the matter to police the following day, leading to the immediate closure of the butchery while authorities launched an investigation.

“Witnesses were interviewed and statements obtained,” added Van Wyk.

Court Bars Butchery Manager From Returning Amid Community Backlash

The state alleges that Tembe knowingly handed the teen a bottle containing drain acid. During court proceedings, it was revealed that both the butchery’s owners and members of the local community strongly opposed Tembe’s return to the premises.

Tembe’s legal representative, Asghar Mia, said the manager was advised to stay away from the butchery for his own safety. “There were threats by angry residents who reportedly threatened to set the butchery alight,” said Mia.

Tembe is expected to return to court on August 12 as the investigation continues. The case has stirred widespread anger in the community, with residents demanding justice for the teen and answers from those responsible.

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