The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga confirmed that members of the Schoemansdal SAPS responded swiftly after a video showing an elderly woman being assaulted inside a tavern began circulating on social media, prompting public outrage.
According to the SAPS, the incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 9pm, at a liquor outlet in Magogeni, near Schoemansdal in the Nkomazi area. The victim, who is employed at the establishment, was allegedly watching television when she was instructed to change the channel, a request that allegedly preceded a vicious physical assault by a male patron.
Following the launch of a formal investigation, police traced the elderly victim and ensured she received the necessary medical attention. She subsequently provided investigators with further details about the incident, which have assisted in advancing the case.
A 22-year-old suspect has since been taken in for questioning in connection with the assault. Police have cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing and that further action may follow should additional information come to light. “No one will be spared should more information warrant further action,” the SAPS stated.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, issued a strong condemnation of the attack, describing it as both senseless and deeply troubling.
“The brutal assault of an elderly and vulnerable member of our community is both unacceptable and deeply disturbing. Such acts have no place in our society,” said General Mkhwanazi.
He also praised the officers who mobilised quickly after the video emerged. “We commend the members who responded promptly upon discovering the video and worked tirelessly to locate the victim and ensure that appropriate action was taken.”
The General reiterated the SAPS’s commitment to protecting vulnerable South Africans: “SAPS remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and will act decisively against anyone who perpetrates violence against defenceless victims.”
The Nkomazi Local Municipality falls within the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga, bordering Eswatini. The area, like many rural communities across the province, has experienced recurring concerns about gender-based violence and violence against older persons, offences that advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies have increasingly highlighted as requiring targeted intervention.
IOL News
Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
