Moorosi Tsiane
BARELY five months after opening its doors, popular Maseru hangout, Hotspot Lounge, has landed in legal trouble after its security personnel allegedly assaulted and threatened a patron with a firearm earlier this year.
Teko Tjekosela of Florida, Maseru, has approached the High Court seeking M1 million in damages following the incident, which allegedly occurred on 1 February 2026.
According to court papers, Mr Tjekosela was at the entertainment venue when he noticed the arrival of a well-known South African Amapiano artist, Mr JazziQ, who was reportedly under heavy security.
Mr Tjekosela says that, out of excitement, he approached the vehicle in which the artist was travelling, intending to take photographs. However, his actions were allegedly met with violence.
In his affidavit, Mr Tjekosela claims that although the driver initially confronted him in a non-threatening manner, prompting him to retreat, a bouncer identified as Thibello Hloele later intervened aggressively.
He alleges that Mr Hloele assaulted him without justification.
“It was thereafter that Hloele, arriving from a different motor vehicle, aggressively intervened and escalated the situation, ultimately leading to the violent assault,” Mr Tjekosela claims.
He also alleges that Mr Hloele struck him in the face, targeting his eyes and nose, and threatened him with a firearm.
“He struck me in the facial area while simultaneously reaching for his firearm in a threatening manner. My nasal bone was severely injured, my face was soaked in blood, and I required immediate medical attention,” he said.
He says he was then rushed to a hospital, where he received treatment and was later discharged. However, he claims he continues to suffer from recurring nasal bleeding and severe headaches.
Mr Tjekosela argues that the assault violated his bodily integrity, dignity and security.
“The conduct was unlawful and wrongful. Assault at gunpoint is inherently unjustifiable and constitutes a serious violation of my rights,” he stated.
In his claim, Mr Tjekosela further argues that the bouncer acted intentionally and aggressively, while holding Hotspot Carwash liable as the employer.
“The second respondent (Hotspot), as owner and principal, bears vicarious liability for the wrongful acts of its employee acting within the scope of his authority,” he argues.
Mr Tjekosela says the incident has resulted in both financial and personal damages.
He is claiming M250 000 for pain and suffering, M200 000 for psychological trauma, M200 000 for what he describes as malicious, high-handed and oppressive conduct by Mr Hloele, M150 000 for diminished enjoyment of life and daily inconvenience caused by recurring nasal bleeding and psychological trauma, and M100 000 in punitive damages.
Hotspot and Mr Hloele are yet to file their opposing papers.
