PROJECT: ELDER ABUSE IN SOUTH AFRICA
- isabels39
- Jul 15
- 7 min read
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On 9 July 2025, four women were arrested in connection with the vicious assault of a frail 81-year-old resident at the
Silver Village, an Assisted Living Facility in Welkom. The incident, described by authorities as one of shocking cruelty and inhumanity, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. The accused will remain in custody until their formal bail application on 15 July, during which the State has confirmed it will oppose bail.
The accused, identified as Lynette Brummer (64), Anna Fourie (73), Nomsa Ngcongwane (56),
and Prudence Majorobella (35), made their first appearance in court on Friday, 11 July 2025.
The four women were formally charged with the following:
Attempted murder (a Schedule 5 offence).
Kidnapping (a Schedule 6 offence).
Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) (Schedule 5).
Multiple violations under the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006.
The defence attempted to argue for bail on the grounds that two of the accused, Mrs. Brummer and Mrs. Fourie,
fall under the category of older persons themselves, owing to their ages of 64 and 73, respectively.
However, the court ruled that all four accused will remain in police custody until the bail hearing next week.
The matter came to light when graphic and deeply disturbing video footage surfaced, showing the elderly victim
(weighing barely 40 kilograms) being forcibly restrained with duct tape. Her mouth and hands had been bound,
leaving her unable to cry out or defend herself. She was physically subdued, emotionally tormented, and appeared
to have suffered for an extended period before intervention.
The victim has since been hospitalised, and her condition is being monitored by medical professionals.
The extent of her physical and psychological trauma is still being assessed.
According to sources close to the investigation, more arrests are expected,
and additional charges may follow as the case unfolds.
The footage and testimonies received so far suggest that this was
not an isolated incident but formed part of a broader pattern of abuse within the facility.
The use of the Older Persons Act in this matter is particularly significant.
Created to protect the rights and dignity of elderly citizens, the Act criminalises abuse, neglect,
and exploitation of older persons and carries heavy penalties for those found guilty of such crimes.
This incident has caused deep shock and public condemnation, especially given that some of the accused were entrusted caregivers within a facility intended to provide safety and dignity for vulnerable seniors.
The case underscores the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability in elderly care institutions across South Africa.
Specialised Security Services (SSS) and other watchdog organisations have expressed their full support for the investigation and encourage the public to report suspected elder abuse, in private homes or in care facilities.
The matter will return to court today, 15 July 2025, for the bail application to be heard.
The State is expected to present evidence in support of the continued detention of the accused pending trial.
The investigation is ongoing.
SOUTH AFRICA'S OLDER PERSONS ACT (ACT 13 of 2006):
The Older Persons Act was introduced to protect and promote the rights, well-being, safety, and dignity of older persons (people aged 60 years and older) in South Africa.
It came into operation on 1 April 2010, replacing outdated legislation such as the Aged Persons Act of 1967.
The law recognises that older persons are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and provides legal protections, support systems, and structures to ensure their care and wellbeing.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE ACT:
TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF OLDER PERSONS:
Prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Ensure equal treatment and inclusion in society.
TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION OF OLDER PERSONS:
Encourage older persons to remain active and engaged in community life for as long as possible.
TO REGULATE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES:
Ensure that old age homes and assisted living facilities meet set care and safety standards.
Require registration and compliance by all facilities that provide care to older persons.
TO CREATE A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR REPORTING ABUSE:
Make it compulsory to report any suspected abuse or exploitation of an older person.
Failure to report abuse is a criminal offence.
TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED CARE:
Promote independent living through home-based and community support programmes.
TYPES OF ABUSE RECOGNISED BY THE ACT:
The Act defines abuse broadly and includes:
Physical abuse – Hitting, pushing, improper restraint, etc.
Sexual abuse – Any non-consensual sexual contact.
Psychological or emotional abuse – Threats, insults, intimidation, isolation.
Economic abuse – Theft, fraud, exploitation of pensions or property.
Neglect – Failing to provide basic care, food, medication, and hygiene.
MANDATORY REPORTING AND PENALTIES:
Any person (including healthcare workers, social workers, family members, neighbours, and staff at care facilities) who suspects abuse of an older person is legally required to report it to the Department of Social Development or the police.
Failure to report abuse or violations of the Act can lead to criminal prosecution, fines, and even imprisonment.
Perpetrators of abuse may be arrested and prosecuted, and facilities can be shut down for non-compliance.
REGISTRATION AND OVERSIGHT FACILITIES:
All residential care facilities, assisted living centres, and service providers offering care to older persons must register with the Department of Social Development and adhere to prescribed minimum standards of care.
The Act empowers the department to:
Inspect facilities,
Suspend or cancel registrations,
Investigate complaints.
The Older Persons Act is a vital human rights tool in South Africa.
It ensures that elderly individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
It creates a structure through which those who abuse or exploit the elderly are held legally accountable.
HOW ABUSE HAPPEN IN CARE FACILITIES:
Several factors contribute to the systemic abuse of elderly persons in institutions:
Understaffing: Overworked or unsupported carers may take out their frustration on residents.
Lack of training: Staff often lack the skills to manage dementia, frailty, or complex medical needs.
Poor management: Inadequate supervision allows abuse to go unnoticed or unaddressed.
Limited family involvement: When families do not visit regularly, abuse is more likely to remain hidden.
Fear of retaliation: Elderly residents are often too scared to report abuse, especially if they are dependent on their abusers for care.
ESSENTIAL MEASURES TO TAKE BEFORE CONSIDERING ANY OLD AGE CARE FACILITY:
VERIFY FACILITY REGISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE:
Under the Older Persons Act (Act 13 of 2006), all care facilities must be registered with the Department of Social Development.
Before making a decision:
Ask to see their registration certificate.
Ensure they comply with:
Health and safety standards,
Staff qualifications and ratios,
Abuse prevention policies.
Contact your provincial Department of Social Development to verify legitimacy or check for past complaints.
VISIT AND INSPECT FACILITY:
Do an unannounced visit if possible. Look out for:
Cleanliness and hygiene,
Staff behaviour and attentiveness,
Quality of food and living conditions,
Security and emergency procedures,
Whether residents appear comfortable and respected.
Speak to current residents and their families if possible.
REVIEW THE ADMISSION CONTRACT CAREFULLY:
Before signing, review:
Fees and what they include (accommodation, meals, medication, etc.)
Visitation rights and policies,
Termination clauses (for both parties),
Complaint and grievance procedures,
Medical liability and consent policies.
Consider having a lawyer or trusted advisor review the contract.
CHECK STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISION:
Ask:
Are there registered nurses on site 24/7?
Are staff trained in dementia care or special needs?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
How often are residents assessed?
MONITOR AND STAY INVOLVED AFTER ADMISSION:
Once placed:
Visit regularly and observe any changes in your parents’ condition.
Check for signs of neglect, overmedication, or emotional distress.
Encourage open communication with staff and management.
If concerned, report any suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Development or the SAPS.
IMPORTANT RED FLAGS:
Staff refusing you access or insisting on strict visitation limits,
Signs of unexplained bruises or fear in your parent,
Dirty or overcrowded conditions,
Poor communication or defensive management.
REPORTING CHANNELS:
SAPS (South African Police Service) – Call 10111.
Department of Social Development Elder Abuse Hotline – 0800 60 10 11.
NGOs such as Age-In-Action (021 426 4249) for support and intervention.
Legal Aid South Africa – for legal support to elderly persons in distress.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis of SSS for immediate intervention from the SSS Specialist Team.
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