A video showing an elderly woman and a middle-aged man believed to be the son physically fighting is making the rounds on social media.
The video shows the elderly woman and her son fighting in the kitchen. The man is seen carrying a big wooden-spoon. He slaps the woman, who is seen defending herself. She then falls down and the man continues unleashing slaps and fists on her. While all this is happening, the person recording is holding the camera steady, while another relative is also seen watching helplessly.
The video was shared by the elderly woman’s grandchild with one of social media platform X, users, The Instigator who has over 300 000 followers. The grandchild said she needed help since their uncle allegedly abused the gogo.
“I’ve saved your number from our previous Twitter DMs. I’m reaching out because I need help with a family issue. The video I’m sharing shows my grandmother and uncle. Unfortunately, my uncle constantly argues with and beats his mother (my grandmother), and we’ve become helpless and don’t know how to intervene or help her anymore. Please assist us in finding a solution to this difficult situation by posting on social media. Maybe it will reach the right people,” wrote the grandchild.
Some people are calling for the son to be arrested for assaulting his mother.
X user, The Instigator, posted the disturbing video around 7am on Sunday. It has been viewed almost 300 000 times, reposted 772 times and garnered about 1 200 likes.
“This family is seeking help regarding this man who constantly beat up his own mother from time to time,” wrote The Instigator.
Other users were left angry and expressed how much they wanted to beat up the man for the evil deed.
“This one must be baptised by the community first before being handed in,” wrote IBhunesi Mabaso.
“It should be made a law that every kid MUST leave their parents home after turning 18 years because how can we let this happen? Parents did their best to raise the kids and the least they can receive should be respect,” wrote Sio Leo.
“He needs to be arrested. And you can't be living at your home at this age,” wrote Thapelo.
In line with the Older Persons Act, of 2006, South Africa joined global citizens in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; to protect, promote and maintain the status, rights, well-being and security of older persons.
Recently, Youth and Persons with Disabilities spokesperson Sindisiwe Chikunga said abuse of an older person occurred when any person, in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, does something or fails to do something that causes harm or distress or is likely to cause harm or distress to an older person.
Chikunga said in the last month, Luvo Ngqaza 19, was caught on a video assaulting his grandmother, Sindiwe Ngqaza, 82.
Western Cape NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila yesterday told The Star that the Schedule 5 bail application of Ngqaza started on Friday at the Kuilsriver Magistrate’s Court.
He said the State called the victim, gogo Sindiwe Ngqaza, who testified that the accused contacted him from the Eastern Cape and told her that he wanted to come to the Western Cape to study.
The victim stays in her house with Luvo and other grandchildren while the accused’s mother remains in eCala, Eastern Cape.
“He was studying and would come from school, take off his clothes and join his friends where they would be busy with their criminal activities. He would also steal her money and her belongings and sell them to buy drugs.
“On the day of the incident, they had an argument and he warned her that he would beat her up. He slapped her several times and she fell after losing consciousness. She went to sleep and when she woke up the next day, her left side was paralysed.
“She does not want him to be released on bail as she is afraid of him. She fears for her life as he will come back to hurt or kill her. She told the court that she intended to open a case against her grandson before he was arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravention of the Older Persons Act. She also testified that her other grandchildren showed her the video of the beating.”
The State also called the investigating officer, Detective September from the Kraaifontein Detective Unit.
He briefly testified that the accused was arrested on the evening of July 3 at his grandmother’s house in Kraaifontein. At the time, the victim was at Karl Bremmer Hospital following her admission on July 1.
The officer confirmed that the incident happened on June 14 and the victim was left with injuries to her head, left ribs and left leg. He opposed bail because the victim feared for her life and felt that the accused was not safe as members of the public in the province, outside the province and in the community had vowed that if he was released on bail, they wouldl deal with him accordingly.
The bail application has been postponed until today for arguments.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) expressed concern over recent acts of violence against older persons. The Commission said it strongly condemned these barbaric acts and urged the South African Police Service to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Commission said instances such as the killing of an elderly resident and allegations of rape at Ipeleng Bagodi old age home in the North West, the viral video of Luvo assaulting his grandmother in the Western Cape, and the rape and stabbing of an 83-year-old woman at Dikweteng village in Mpumalanga demonstrated that older people are not safe.
“Despite legal protections, older persons face various challenges as a vulnerable group with unique and differing needs. It is distressing that older persons are experiencing abuse from individuals in their communities who should be providing support and protection,” said the Commission's spokesperson Wisani Baloyi.
“The Commission acknowledges the swift responses of the police in various incidents and urges those who witness such events to be cautious when capturing evidence. It calls for communities to work together to ensure the protection of older persons and to create a safe environment for the elderly, upholding their dignity and rights,” Baloyi said.
Baloyi added that it was essential that anyone who suspected abuse or ill-treatment of an older person must report it immediately to the police, who must act against the abuser.
“Social workers should also be informed to assist the older person. Failure to report abuse of an older person is a punishable crime. The Commission is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to bring those who have committed these criminal acts to justice,” he said.
The Star