The nation was left reeling this week after a video of a young man brutally assaulting his grandmother went viral on social media. The disturbing footage, which showed the grandson, identified as Luvo, repeatedly striking his elderly relative, sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The incident, which occurred in June at the victim's home in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, saw the woman, who can be heard pleading for her life, subjected to a barrage of blows.
"Luvo, why are you killing me? Why are you killing me in my house?" she cries out, her voice laced with fear and desperation.
BREAKING NEWS: Luvo has been arrested, this after he was seen on a trending video physically assaulting and insulting his grandmother.
The 19 year old man requested his cousin to take a video of him assaulting his grandmother. pic.twitter.com/r18mYL3OUV
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) July 4, 2024
The video, which captured the horrifying scene, went viral on social media platforms, prompting a swift response from authorities. Police in the Western Cape arrested the 19-year-old suspect on Wednesday evening after a case docket was registered.
"The severity of the matter was realised when a video was circulating on the internet and, on this basis, SAPS intervened and opened a case docket on behalf of the victim," said police spokesperson Col Andrè Traut.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their horror and disbelief at the level of violence displayed by the young man.
"It's heartbreaking to see this level of disrespect and violence towards an elderly woman," said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "This is a clear indication of the breakdown of family values and the need for urgent intervention."
In the wake of the incident, popular South African television and radio personality Somizi Mhlongo has stepped forward to offer his support to the victim.
"Eish, my spirit is not OK," Somizi said in a video posted on his social media page. "Anyone who knows where this granny or mama is from please hit me up, let me know. I think she needs counselling, trauma counselling. We might take those things for granted but she'll forever be traumatised — emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Please assist, she needs help, I need to help. This boy will be dealt with. Please find ugogo [granny] or mama kuthi ukhupi [where she's at].”
Somizi's offer of assistance has been met with widespread praise, with many commending his willingness to step up and help the victim.
"This is a true act of compassion and humanity," said a social media user. "Somizi has shown that he cares about the well-being of our elders and is willing to stand up for what is right."
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the issue of elder abuse in South Africa.
"This is not an isolated incident," said a social worker who works with elderly victims of abuse. "Elder abuse is a growing problem in our country, and we need to do more to protect our seniors."
The arrest of Luvo offers a glimmer of hope for justice, but the road to recovery for the victim will be long and arduous. Somizi's offer of support, coupled with the community's collective outrage, serves as a reminder that we must stand together to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
