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Kraaifontein teen to apply for bail after video of him attacking grandmother goes viral.
(The Post News)- A 19-year-old boy who was caught on video attacking his elderly grandmother is due to appear in court on Friday to apply for bail.
Luvo Gqaza, a 19-year-old from Kraaifontein, Western Cape, is expected to make his second appearance in the Kuils River Magistrate’s Court on Friday for his bail application.
He faces charges of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and violation of the Older Person’s Act.
Gqaza was arrested following an outcry on social media after a disturbing video showing him physically attacking his 82-year-old grandmother was shared online.
In the video clip, Gqaza is seen shouting at his grandmother.
He then attacks her, causing her to lose balance and a pot of porridge on the stove to fall to the floor.
The grandmother can be heard asking if he was sent to kill her and telling him to kill her since that is what he came to her house for.
Police said they intervened after the video was shared online and sparked widespread outrage, despite the family’s refusal to press charges.
Gqaza was arrested on July 3 in Wallacedene in Kraaifontein and on July 5 the court heard that he was suicidal, and granted the request for his remand in the hospital wing of Pollsmoor prison until his next appearance.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the attack and other violent attacks on elderly people.
“Despite legal protections, older individuals face various challenges as a vulnerable group with special and differing needs,” the commission said.
The commission stated that it is disturbing that older people are being abused by those in their communities who should be offering them support and protection.
The Commission also stressed the importance of the Older Persons Amendment Bill, which aims to protect the rights and well-being of senior citizens.
“This Bill, supported by the Commission, addresses instantaneous and sensitive intervention in cases of abuse and commands the provision of temporary safe care and removal from unsafe environments, which is crucial for immediate protection,” the SAHRC said.
Meanwhile, the Commission of Gender Equality (CGE) added that it would monitor the issue and launch investigations into elder abuse across the country.
Spokesperson Javu Baloyi praised the police for their swift action.
“Allegations of systemic failures and of defeating the ends of justice must be probed to create an environment that respects and encourages the rights of elderly persons,” Baloyi said.
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