Tebogo Msimanga |
The Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court sentenced a former McDonald employee, Clement Othusitse Seothaeng (27), originally from Pampierstad in Northern Cape Province to 10 years direct imprisonment for extortion and malicious property damage. He was given 10 years for extortion and 5 years for malicious damages to property. The magistrate ordered that the sentences run concurrently
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Seothaeng was working at McDonald’s restaurant in Montana, as a crew member for two years. “On 23 September 2017, while at work Seothaeng recorded himself in a 20-second video clip with his phone preparing a Mcflurry ice cream without showing his face, just a person wearing a uniform. However, when preparing it, he, spat inside the Mcflurry ice cream, mixed it and closed the cap.”
After recording himself, he sent the clip to the manager with a different number as a concerned customer demanding R150 000, to avoid the video circulation on social media.
Mahanjana said the Manager reported the matter to the police.” A trap was set up and Seothaeng was arrested a few days later on 29 September 2017.”
During the aggravation of the sentence, Prosecutor, David Molokomme asked the court to impose a sentence that will serve as a deterrent to people who use social media for anti-social behaviour for undue benefits.
The National Prosecuting Authority says it welcomes the sentence.
