MPILETSO MOTUMI AND ESSENCE TSHUMA
MADODA “Tatie” Mntambo, well known on the streets of Orlando East, is an aggrieved man
He has been a car guard around the precinct for more than 30 years. He alleges he was assaulted by two Community Police Forum (CPF) members at Orlando Stadium last Wednesday.
“They tried to handcuff me and manhandled me even though I am disabled. They accused me of being a car thief and humiliated me,” he said.
Mntambo, 52, alleges the two men were trying to remove him as the car guard at the stadium.
“I make R20 or R30 on each car. They are just greedy and want my money,” he claimed.
He said he tried to fight back, but that they overpowered him. He has a limp on his left side.
Mntambo laid a charge against the men at the Orlando police station last Thursday.
He said he had a case from last year pending against one of the men.
“No car has ever been stolen under my watch. I take down the names, phone numbers and the registrations of the owners of cars for security,” he said.
According to Mntambo, the CPF members were supposed to patrol only around and within the stadium.
“Only people residing in the precinct can guard the cars here,” he said.
CPF chairman Chris Maduna said Mntambo was well within his right to lay a charge if the assault did happen. He said the CPF members were allowed to guard the cars.
“The CPF do assist with the parking. A lot of cars were stolen at the Usher concert recently. Their duty is to ensure safety,” he said.
“He can’t work alone. It becomes a challenge because he is disabled and he needs the help,” Maduna said.