VIDEO: Teen Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting 82-Year-Old Grandmother in South Africa

 Police in Kraaifontein, Western Cape province of South Africa, have apprehended a teenager for allegedly assaulting his 82-year-old grandmother, following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media.

The 19-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after the video capturing the pensioner being attacked went viral, sparking widespread condemnation and swift police action.

The incident, which occurred about a month ago, shows the grandson physically assaulting his grandmother, causing a pot of what appears to be porridge to spill. The assault is severe enough to knock the elderly woman to the ground.

The victim, a resident of Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, was found receiving medical treatment in the hospital for an unrelated ailment.

Although the grandmother initially declined to provide a statement, subsequent police investigations confirmed that the assault took place at her home in June. Initially, the family opted to handle the matter privately and did not involve the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Colonel Andrè Traut, spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, emphasized the seriousness of the incident, noting that the decision to open a case was made after the video surfaced online. The 19-year-old grandson was arrested at his residence in Wallacedene on Wednesday night and is awaiting formal charges at the Blue Downs Magistrates Court.

Traut reaffirmed SAPS's commitment to prioritizing crimes against women and children, pledging to address all forms of violence comprehensively.

The incident has ignited a robust conversation on social media, with users expressing outrage and highlighting concerns about elder abuse.

Watch Video:

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 Wallecedene 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