Johannesburg - Randfontein police on Friday denied claims that a man caught on video being attacked by a mob at a Randfontein mall died as a result of his injuries.
This comes days after video footage emerged on social media showing a group of white repeatedly kick a black man at Tambotie mall.
The incident reportedly happened on November 4 at around 5pm while the man was at the mall with his wife.
In the video, the man appears to be on the floor while the men shove, kick and at one point carry him, all this while stunned shoppers look on.
The video has since sparked outrage on social media, prompting users to brand it as a racial attack.
WARNING: THE VIDEO BELOW CONTAINS GRAPHIC SCENES OF VIOLENCE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Since then, reports have emerged claiming the man had died as a result of the incident.
Randfontein police spokesperson Captain Ernst Appel in a statement slammed the rumour as malicious and devoid of any truth.
"These are malicious rumours that are negatively affecting the investigation.
Creating negative impressions and spreading false information will not serve the cause of justice."
Ernst however, confirmed two men had since been arrested following the incident and had appeared in court where the matter was not placed on the court roll by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
This to allow investigating officers to obtain further statements, as instructed by the NPA.
The two men are currently out on bail.
Rand West City Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mzi Khumalo's office meanwhile, condemned the "brutal and barbaric attack" on the man.
"Notwithstanding the fact that the attack on [the man] can easily be construed as a racial attack, no citizen should ever be subjected to such violence and aggression.
"The callous attack has already been proven to be racially divisive in local communities in our City, Province and the country as highlighted on social media."
Khumalo also confirmed that the man was still alive, adding that "the disinformation that the man has passed on needs to be vehemently discouraged."
He also called on those who witnessed the incident to assist police carrying out investigations.