Three men accused of brutally attacking a security guard at a popular East London hangout on New Year’s Eve have appeared in court, after a video of the incident went viral and sparked widespread public outrage.
The accused – Luxolo Sodawe, Mfezeko Sodawe and Lutho Pamali – briefly appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. They are charged in connection with the assault of security guard Buhle Nongodlwana at eBuhlanti Marina Glen, a busy drinking and braai spot near Eastern Beach in East London.
The case has been postponed to 25 February 2026 for further investigation, and the three men were released on a warning.
The incident, which unfolded on New Year’s Eve, was captured on camera and widely shared online. In the footage, one of the men is heard mockingly saying, “Even if you can record us,” as he approaches the person filming. He then starts dancing and laughing, moments before or after the assault.
What appeared to be a routine workday for Nongodlwana quickly turned ugly when he tried to do his job and manage parking at the busy venue.
Things took a south turn when Nongodlwana allegedly asked the suspects to move their vehicle, which had blocked another car. The suspects responded with violence, kicking and assaulting him.
Nongodlwana later took to Facebook on Thursday to share his version of events, explaining how a normal shift spiralled into a humiliating ordeal.
“It was meant to be a normal day, going to work. However, it changed when I asked one of the gentlemen in the video to move their car, as it had blocked another,“ he wrote.
“One of the guys grabbed me by my neck, and things got worse, as seen in the video.”
He went on to describe the assault as dehumanising and humiliating, saying it made him feel “useless” and even fear losing his job. Despite that, he expressed deep appreciation for the support he has received.
He described the experience as dehumanising and humiliating, claiming it made him feel “useless” and made him worry that he may lose his job, but expressed his immense gratitude for the overwhelming love social media has shown him.
The video, which shows parts of the confrontation and the taunting behaviour of at least one of the suspects, has triggered strong reactions across social media platforms, with many users calling for accountability and harsh punishment.
Corporate fallout has already begun. On Friday morning, mining and renewable energy giant Exxaro issued a public statement on its X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that one of the suspects works for a company that contracts to Exxaro.
The statement read:
**“Exxaro Resources is aware of a circulating video depicting the recent assault of a security guard in East London.
One of the alleged suspects in the video has been identified as an employee of Baagi Technology, one of our contractors. Exxaro Resources does not tolerate any behaviour that is contrary to our values, and the alleged suspect’s access to our company has been immediately revoked. In line with our code of conduct, Baagi Technology is attending to this matter with the urgency it deserves,”** reads the statement.
While the criminal case proceeds, Nongodlwana is also preparing to take civil action against the three accused.
His lawyer, Thabo Mantyi, told the Daily Dispatch that they had clear instructions from their client.
“Our instruction is to watch the proceedings on behalf of the complainant and then institute a civil suit. ” Mantyi said.
He said Nongodlwana was still dealing with the emotional impact of the incident, but was steadily regaining his composure.
“My client was shocked and shaken, but has since gathered himself. Many people are complaining about why the accused are out on warning. Realistically, people who are charged with common assault do get bail. It is not unusual. I can assure the public that the case will get the attention it deserves, and no stone will be left unturned,” he added.
Speaking to Drum, Mantyi confirmed that they were ready to push ahead with a separate civil claim.
“We are indeed going ahead with the civil lawsuit. We are seeking damages for the unlawful assault on my client,” he shared.
For now, the three accused remain out on warning as the police continue their investigations and the National Prosecuting Authority prepares for the next court date in late February. The case, fuelled by the viral video and the victim’s own powerful account, has become a flashpoint in debates around violence, respect for workers, and accountability in public spaces.
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