Teen attacked with a wine bottle during soccer game

A HANOVER Park teen is lucky to be alive after he and his 17-year-old cousin were attacked with a wine bottle during an altercation during a soccer match. 

Zaid Hendricks, who is a 16-year-old Grade Ten learner at Crystal Senior Secondary School, is currently being treated at Groote Schuur Hospital.

His concerned mother Nuraan Hendricks, said her son was born with hyperthyroidism - a condition that can heighten the risk of stroke and heart palpitations. 

He is now in a critical condition in hospital after he and his cousin, Nathier Hendricks, were attacked in Halman’s Walk in Hanover Park on New Year’s Day. 

She explained that doctors were monitoring Zaid’s condition to prevent swelling and had considered surgery. The family has since opened a case with the police.

Neighbours accused of being part of the attack had their home vandalised following the incident. 

Hendricks said an afternoon of soccer became a nightmare when an altercation began between the neighbours and her family when a wynglas was left broken by the ball. 

She explained: “They were playing soccer. Neighbours were drinking. One of the boys mistakenly kicked ball against the glass. 

“An off-duty police officer and relatives and friends complained and said the boys had attitude. I said I can buy another champagne glass. They said, ‘You need to fix this child’s attitude.’ 

“The policewoman took the child’s ball. There was a misunderstanding.”

Hendricks said the next moment, she heard her son and his cousin had been attacked with a wine bottle. 

She detailed: “I did not see him [the attacker] throwing a glass bottle on my son's head. I was barefoot and just ran. I got in the car with him and his cousin. We had to go to Heideveld Hospital.

“The cousin was also stabbed in the back with a bottle.”

Hendricks added that her son was rushed to Groote Schuur Hospital where doctors determined that he had suffered a fractured skull and that the neighbour's home was vandalised following the incident: 

“My son is now in neurology. He threw my child so hard with that bottle. Skull fractured. A piece punctured the brain.”

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a case had been opened following the incident.