Man in court for spray paint attack Hunt is on for second man involved in brutal assault Amanda Khoza A PIETERMARITZBURG man accused of beating up a Northdale mechanic’s assistant and then spray painting his entire body with white enamel car paint appeared in court yesterday. Avikar Lutchman (27), who faces charges of assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted murder, cut a calm figure when he appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court. Lutchman was remanded in custody with the matter postponed to January 22 for further investigation. State prosecutor Mxolisi Hodi said the state intends opposing bail. Lutchman’s attorney, Kameel Jagernath, said: “My client has intentions of pleading not guilty. He will co-operate with the state and we know there is still one suspect that still needs to be arrested.” The hunt is on for a second man involved in the attack that left Malawian national Bilaz Asan hospitalised on Wednesday afternoon. The Witness reported that two men are alleged to have beaten Asan with axes, tools and a rake, before stripping him naked at the mechanic’s premises on Violet Road in Northdale. The men are thought to be irked customers. After beating him, Asan’s attackers allegedly laid him down and spray-painted his naked body with white enamel car paint using an air compressor. Another mechanic, Pilandran Chetty, was also attacked. Asan was rushed to Northdale Hospital where nurses tried to remove the paint, which had hardened on his body and even glued his lips together. He was discharged yesterday after nurses managed to remove paint from “sensitive areas” on his face. “They [doctors] tried to remove the paint, but managed to only remove it on his nose and around his eyes,” said Asan’s employer, who asked to remain anonymous. Brigadier Francis Bantham said a task team led by seasoned detective Captain Pipes Hafejee had been set up to bring the suspects to book. “We are appealing to members of the community to come forward with any information that may assist us in getting a successful conviction. “We condemn this behaviour and those alleged perpetrators must be held responsible for this inhumane crime they committed,” she said. She also said: “We are going to work around the clock to make sure that justice is served.” If you have any information that may assist the police in solving this case, contact Hafejee at 083 231 6496.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 07:38:57 +0000
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