In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a teenager was arrested following an appalling assault on his own grandmother. The distressing video, which went viral on social media platforms, captured the young man's violent act, prompting widespread condemnation from the public. The incident has reignited concerns about elder abuse within our communities and has once again put the spotlight on crimes against women and children.
The 19-year-old assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed due to legal restrictions, hails from Wallacedene in Kraaifontein. The incident unfolded during a heated argument over food in the confines of their home. The video depicts a chilling exchange between the teenager, identified as "Luvo" in the media, and his grandmother.
As tension escalated, the young man callously informed his grandmother that he would cook for himself, dismissing her role in providing meals. Astonished, she queried him, "Cook for yourself? Which food will you cook?" Little did she know that her innocent question would quickly escalate into a horrifying act of violence.
Without hesitation, the aggressor violently struck his grandmother with an open hand, causing her to fall to the kitchen floor in agony. The heart-wrenching scene continued as he forced her, while she was on her knees, to clean up a spilled pot of rice that had fallen during the assault. In her despair, the elderly woman pleaded, "Why are you trying to kill me? Who sent you to come and kill me?" The callous response from her own grandson, "Am I trying to kill you?" only heightened her distress.
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
Outraged by the video footage, members of the public swiftly shared it on various social media platforms, demanding justice for the victim. The South African Police Service (SAPS) became aware of the incident and took immediate action. Colonel Andre Traut, spokesperson for the SAPS, stated that the video had alerted them to the severity of the assault, leading to the arrest of the teenager.
"The victim, who is from Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, was traced to where she is being treated in hospital for an ailment not related to the assault, but she declined to submit a statement," explained Traut. He further disclosed that the incident had occurred a month prior, and although SAPS had been summoned to the scene, the family had chosen to handle the matter independently, refusing police assistance.
The circulation of the video prompted SAPS to intervene, ensuring that justice would be served for the victim. The 19-year-old suspect was apprehended at his residence in Wallacedene and is now awaiting his court appearance at the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court.
Traut emphasized the SAPS's commitment to combating violence against women and children, stating, "Crimes against women and children are on top of SAPS' priority list, and we will not be turning a blind eye to any form of violence in this regard."
Ilitha Labantu, a prominent organization advocating for women's rights, condemned the horrific act of violence and commended the swift action taken by SAPS. Siyabulela Monakali, spokesperson for Ilitha Labantu, remarked, "This distressing incident underscores the grave issue of elder abuse within our communities. We commend the SAPS in the Western Cape for their swift action in arresting the suspect."
