File picture: Independent Media File picture: Independent Media
Cape Town - A business owner believed to be mentally unstable is expected to appear in court on Monday on charges of assault and malicious damage to property after he had allegedly “played” with a gun at work, sparking fears among his staff.
It is believed the 49-year-old man suffers from Bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia.
He owns an upholstery business at the premises in Brighton Way, Kraaifontein, which he shares with a car dealership.
Staff claim the man has “mental outbursts” and has allegedly assaulted them before.
On Saturday, police were called to the premises after reports that the man was armed, and staff couldn’t tell if the firearm was fake or not.
The man’s grandchild was also present.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut says: “A 49-year-old man was arrested [on Saturday] at 9am at a business premises in Brighton Road, Kraaifontein for assault and malicious damage to property."
“He is expected to make a court appearance in Kuilsrivier Magistrates’ Court [this] morning to face the charges against him.”
On Sunday, the owner of the car dealership did not want to comment on Saturday’s incident, but confirmed claims that the man suffered from Bipolar and Schizophrenia.
A security guard at the premises, who asked to remain anonymous, tells the Daily Voice: “The man lives on the premises and we did not know if the gun was fake."
“He has mental outbursts every three months."
“There may be a possibility that he doesn’t always follow in taking his medication on regular intervals.”