Kraaifontein man who allegedly assaulted his grandmother, 'suicidal'

The case against a 19-year-old man caught on video allegedly assaulting his grandmother will resume at the Kuils River Magistrate's Court, next week.

Luvo Gqaza faces charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, as well as the contravention of the Older Persons Act. He made his first court appearance on Friday morning.

The court heard that Gqaza will be held in the hospital wing of Pollsmoor Prison, for fear that he may take his own life.

The court matter has been postponed to 12 July for a bail application.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila, said the State intends to oppose bail.

‘’It is a Schedule 1 matter, but the state will oppose bail. one of the reasons for opposing bail is the nature and extent of the injuries suffered by the woman. She is still in hospital and is fearing for her life and is opposing her release of the accused.’’

Outside the court, a handful of EFF members gathered to protest against the assault. EFF regional secretary Banzi Dambuza previously blamed socio-economic issues for the man’s behaviour.

♦️Luvo Ngaza Court Update♦️

EFF Cape Metro led by Regional Secretary, Banzi Dambuza, attended the case of Luvo Ngqaza, at Kuilsriver court.

The case is postponed for 12 July 2024. The media houses have been given the platform to broadcast. We will closely monitor the case. pic.twitter.com/Gk39BYkLeJ

— EFF_Cape_Metro (@EFF_Cape_Metro) July 5, 2024

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, stated 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.”

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.

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.

Done By: Mitchum George