Santa Claus was stripped of his red garb after being involved in a fight with a shopper at Hemingways Mall.
Eugene Henning from Beacon Bay has since opened a case of assault against Santa, also known as Gary Rusch.
The incident happened on Wednesday in full view of shoppers and children waiting to have their picture taken with Santa.
Henning said he was doing Christmas shopping at the time. “I had gone over to listen to the Salvation Army, who have been playing Christmas carols there, and to pay a donation.
“I was just standing looking around when Santa approached and asked me to leave because my presence was interrupting him,” Henning claimed.
Henning said he then realised Santa was in fact Rusch – his former son-in-law.
Rusch is a local magician, often hired to provide entertainment at corporate events and children’s parties.
“I told him that I am a visiting member of the public with every right to be there.
“I did not even know that was him until he spoke to me so it’s not like I provoked him,” said Henning.
Four security guards arrived and asked Henning to vacate the premises.
Henning alleged that Rusch came up to him, shouting and yelling, before smacking him.
East London police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi confirmed the assault charge against Rusch.
The Daily Dispatch called Rusch, but he declined to comment.
Hemingways Mall marketing manager Estée Roos said Rusch had since been relieved of his duties as Santa and that “alternative actors have been secured to take over the role for the duration of the holiday season”.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as shocking.
Zimkitha Apleni, who works at a stall near Santa, said the assault came out of nowhere.
“The older guy was standing there when Santa just got up and started shouting at him and slapping him,” said Apleni.
Another eyewitness, Hubert Mhambi, said his children were crying because the incident happened in their presence and they did not get the picture they wanted.
“He was Santa for the day.
“No matter how upset he was, he should have stuck to that and kept his cool.
“Not embarrassed himself and upset children who came especially to see him,” said Mhambi. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Santa's mall slap ends in getting the sack
Eugene Henning from Beacon Bay has since opened a case of assault against Santa, also known as Gary Rusch.
The incident happened on Wednesday in full view of shoppers and children waiting to have their picture taken with Santa.
Henning said he was doing Christmas shopping at the time. “I had gone over to listen to the Salvation Army, who have been playing Christmas carols there, and to pay a donation.
“I was just standing looking around when Santa approached and asked me to leave because my presence was interrupting him,” Henning claimed.
Henning said he then realised Santa was in fact Rusch – his former son-in-law.
Rusch is a local magician, often hired to provide entertainment at corporate events and children’s parties.
“I told him that I am a visiting member of the public with every right to be there.
“I did not even know that was him until he spoke to me so it’s not like I provoked him,” said Henning.
Four security guards arrived and asked Henning to vacate the premises.
Henning alleged that Rusch came up to him, shouting and yelling, before smacking him.
East London police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi confirmed the assault charge against Rusch.
The Daily Dispatch called Rusch, but he declined to comment.
Hemingways Mall marketing manager Estée Roos said Rusch had since been relieved of his duties as Santa and that “alternative actors have been secured to take over the role for the duration of the holiday season”.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as shocking.
Zimkitha Apleni, who works at a stall near Santa, said the assault came out of nowhere.
“The older guy was standing there when Santa just got up and started shouting at him and slapping him,” said Apleni.
Another eyewitness, Hubert Mhambi, said his children were crying because the incident happened in their presence and they did not get the picture they wanted.
“He was Santa for the day.
“No matter how upset he was, he should have stuck to that and kept his cool.
“Not embarrassed himself and upset children who came especially to see him,” said Mhambi. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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