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The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has welcomed the arrest of a 19-year-old man for allegedly assaulting his grandmother.

The teenager was arrested by the police in the Western Cape after being seen assaulting his grandmother in a video that went viral on social media.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred last month at the grandmother’s home, and at that time, officers were summoned to the scene. However, the family refused police assistance.

“The suspect was traced to Wallecedene in Kraaifontein on Wednesday evening. He is expected to appear before the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on a charge of assault,” said police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe.

Chikunga said since the arrest of the perpetrator, the department has reached out to the Western Cape Department of Social Development to address the matter.

“Since then, the Department of Social Development has assigned social workers to the family for psychosocial support,” Chikunga said in a statement on Thursday.

READ | Teen in hot water over viral video of assault on grandma

Chikunga restated that an abuse of an older person occurs when any person, in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, does something or fails to do something that causes harm or distress, or is “likely to cause harm or distress to an older person.” 

The department’s Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, is expected to visit the grandmother to offer words of comfort at Karl Bremere Hospital on Friday, 5 July, at 3:30pm.

In line with the Older Persons Act, of 2006, South Africa joined global citizens in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; to protect, promote and maintain the status, rights, well-being and security of older persons. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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