Tolashe dismayed at assault on elderly person

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Social development minister Sisisi Tolashe has expressed shock and dismay at the video doing the rounds on social media where an elderly person is assaulted by a man identified as Luvo. 

The Minister has asked officials of the department to follow up on the information at their disposal to make sure that there is justice for the older person. 

In the video, the older person is seen assaulted by the man, falling on the floor and pleading to rather be killed than live a life of abuse. The man continues to threaten the older person with assault. 

Tolashe said the continued abuse of the elderly calls for urgent measures aimed at addressing and curbing this ongoing conduct. 

SAPS in the Western Cape have arrested a 19-year-old suspect who is seen in this video assaulting his grandmother.The suspect was traced to Wallecedene in Kraaifontein on Wednesday evening. He is expected to appear before the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on a charge of assault pic.twitter.com/ywn6Iy0vp1

— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) July 4, 2024

“The acknowledgement of the role and contribution made by older persons to society cannot be overemphasized. They deserve good care and support from their families, communities, the state, civil society and private organisations,” she expressed.

She highlighted that this incident happens on the heels of June 15 when South Africa joined the citizens of the world and participated in commemorating of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The minister urged members of the public to continue to speak out when abuse of older persons is suspected or happens. 

She further appealed to citizens to educate themselves about the plight and rights of older persons who are vulnerable by virtue of being old. 

“We need to join hands as families, communities and society broadly, in ensuring older persons are protected which should lead to a societal culture of improved reporting and culminate into successful prosecution and safety of older persons,” minister Tolashe remarked. 

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that the 19-year-old suspect, who is the grandson of the victim was arrested at his residence in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein on Wednesday night.

“The victim was traced and treated in hospital for an ailment not related to the assault, but she declined to submit a statement.

“Further investigation revealed that the incident occurred a month ago in June at the residence of the victim and that SAPS were summoned to the scene, but it is said that the family took the matter in their own hands and refused police assistance.

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Col Traut stated that the severity of the matter was realised when a video of the incident was circulating on the internet, and on this basis SAPS intervened and opened a case docket on behalf of the victim.

He is expected to make his court appearance in Blue Downs magistrates court once he has been charged.