15 April 2007

Suncoast marketing manager Robbie Naidoo said the casino was taking increased violence on its premises very seriously and planned to improve security to guarantee the safety of its patrons.

"Suncoast spends the most on security. We intend to crack down on anyone who is slightly suspicious," said Naidoo.

Last week the casino banned several youngsters for 12 months after a fight between two groups left some of them with stab wounds.

In other incidents, a person was mugged and a woman was run over by a car on the premises.

Farhaad Essop, 21, said he was approached by a group of 10 youths who demanded his cellphone and wallet.

When he resisted, he was assaulted until his friends came to his rescue.

"I was punched in the back and I realised that there was blood at the back of my shirt," he said.

He was wounded in the abdomen and had to receive five stitches.

Paramedics who were called to the scene said they stabilised two boys who had been stabbed and took them to Addington Hospital.

ER24 spokesperson Neil Noble said they also treated the victims of the mugging and car accident.

He said the accident victim had a fractured leg.

Police spokesperson Vincent Mdunge said a case of assault and another of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm were being investigated following the fight at the casino.

He said parents should shoulder the blame for allowing their children out without supervision.

"Parents need to become involved in their kids' lives and know where they are."

Sunday Times