Teen arrested for allegedly assaulting grandmother

Lina Portman3 days ago

0 2 minutes read

Western Cape police have arrested a 19-year-old boy for allegedly assaulting his grandmother at her home in Kraaifontein last month.

In a video circulating on social media, the teenager can be seen hitting his grandmother, who falls down as she asks him why he is trying to kill her in her home.

She asks him, “What do you use to cook and where did you get the food you cook? Why are you killing me? You beat me to death since you were sent to kill me in my own house.”

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He can be heard saying “I'm going to kill you” while pointing at her.

Police spokesman Colonel Andrè Traut said a case had been registered after the teenager was arrested at his home in Wallacedene on Wednesday evening.

Alleged assault of a teenager

“The victim, originally from Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, was found where she is being treated in hospital for an illness unrelated to the attack, but she refused to make a statement,” Traut said.

“Further investigation revealed that the incident happened a month ago in June at the victim’s home and Saps (South African Police Service) were called to the scene but it appears that the family took the matter into their own hands and refused police assistance.

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“The seriousness of the situation was realised when a video of the incident circulated on the internet. It was on this basis that Saps intervened and opened a case on behalf of the victim,” Traut said.

He is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court once charged.

“We need to take care of teenagers”

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has asked officials in her department to follow up on the video to ensure justice is served for the grandmother.

She also called on law enforcement to act quickly on the information.

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“The ongoing abuse of older people requires urgent action to address and curb this persistent behavior,” Tolashe said.

“Unfortunately, this incident comes shortly after June 15, when South Africa joined global citizens and participated in the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness of the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons while promoting respect and dignity for this population.

“Elder abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of older people,” she said.

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“Elder abuse is a global public health, human rights and criminal justice problem that cuts across socioeconomic classes, yet remains an understudied and underreported phenomenon,” Tolashe added.

She called on community members to speak out when elder abuse is suspected or occurs.