Rita Odafe
A teenager has been apprehended by the Police in Kraaifontein, Western Cape, South Africa after a video surfaced showing him allegedly assaulting his 82-year-old grandmother.
The 19-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, following the circulation of the distressing video on social media which depicted the elderly woman being attacked.
The incident, which transpired a month ago, triggered widespread condemnation, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
The footage captures the grandson hitting his grandmother with force, causing a pot of porridge to spill over as she falls to the ground.
Subsequently, it was discovered that the grandmother, who resides in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, was undergoing treatment in the hospital for an unrelated health issue.
Despite the grandmother’s reluctance to provide a statement, police investigations indicated that the assault occurred in June at her home.
Initially, when the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrived at the scene, the family opted to address the matter privately and declined police involvement.
Colonel Andrè Traut, the Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, emphasized the gravity of the situation that became apparent as the video gained traction online, leading SAPS to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of the victim.
The grandson, who is the victim’s grandson, was apprehended on Wednesday evening at his Wallacedene residence and is scheduled to appear in court upon formal charges.
“Crimes against women and children are a top priority for SAPS, and we will not turn a blind eye to any form of violence in this regard,” stated Traut.
The incident has sparked extensive dialogue on social media, with users expressing a mix of outrage and concern over elder abuse.
Watch the Video Below;
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 Wallacedene 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
