Police Open Case After Racial Slur Row Erupts At Gqeberha Club

Police in Gqeberha have launched investigations into assault and crimen injuria following an alleged racial altercation at a ski boat club during the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The case stems from a complaint laid by Vincent Nair (62), a member of the Noordhoek Ski Boat Club, against fellow club member Marco van Tonder. Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation.

Alleged Racial Slur Leads to Physical Confrontation

In a sworn statement made later on New Year’s Day, Nair said he had been celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends at the club on Marine Drive when the incident unfolded shortly after midnight.

According to Nair, Van Tonder entered the venue and approached a table where Nair was seated alongside former lawyer and former Law Society chief executive Raj Daya.

“He [allegedly] said there were coolies and coloureds in the place. Raj was shocked and asked Mr Van Tonder to leave,” Nair said.

Nair said he then confronted Van Tonder about the comment.

“I approached Van Tonder and asked him ‘who is a coolie?’ He then [allegedly] said I am a coolie po*s.

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“I told him he cannot use such derogatory and defamatory terms. He then [allegedly] poked me with his finger and pushed me,” Nair said.

Nair admitted that he pushed Van Tonder back.

“He [allegedly] punched me in the face and I fought back,” he said.

He added that club employee Tinus Botha intervened and removed Van Tonder from the clubhouse.

“He was removed immediately from the [club house],” Nair said.

Club Launches Internal Disciplinary Process As  Police Investigate

Nair said the incident was reported to club manager Piet Botha, who arrived at the scene shortly afterwards. He said he suffered no serious injuries, apart from pain to his right hand.

“I did not give anyone the right [or] permission to insult and beat me,” Nair said.

Van Tonder, however, disputed the allegations, saying the incident had been exaggerated.

“That is what [Nair] is alleging,” he said.

“It was a New Year’s Eve party. Everyone had a bit too much sun and too many beers. But I’m sure there will be video footage.

“I actually greeted them and shook their hands and said happy New Year. There were four of them.

“Another gentleman and I walked back to where we were camping and then the one came after me.

“What happened from there I cannot remember, to be honest with you. I cannot remember.”

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Van Tonder said police had not yet contacted him and described the matter as unnecessary.

“I’m not a racist, I promise.

“This is not the old SA anymore.

“Everyone must know it by now.”

Club manager Piet Botha confirmed that the club was aware of the incident but said details remained unclear, as both parties appeared to have been under the influence of alcohol.

“As per the club’s constitution, a full investigation will be conducted regarding the incident,” Botha said.

“We consider this in a very serious light, but we need to get both parties’ versions.”

He said the disciplinary committee had been on leave and would reconvene on January 7, with a hearing scheduled for 4pm on January 8.

“Both parties will get a chance to present their version of the incident,” he said.

“Once the disciplinary committee has heard all the evidence, the appropriate action will be taken.”

Daya has also submitted a written complaint to the club and indicated that he intends opening his own case of crimen injuria.

“This is an official complaint involving [alleged] racism on New Year’s Eve,” Daya wrote.

“In this day and age of celebrating our diversity through unity, these acts of intolerance and racism must be called out for what it is.”

Daya said he also planned to escalate the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission.

Police investigations are ongoing.

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