Cape Town, South Africa – The tight-knit community of Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, just outside Cape Town, has united in their condemnation of Luvo Ngqaza, the 19-year-old who stands accused of assaulting his own grandmother. The shocking incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked outrage and disbelief among local residents, who are now demanding justice for the elderly victim.
Luvo Ngqaza made a brief appearance in the Kuilsriver Magistrate's Court on Friday, facing charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravention of the Older Person's Act. The court heard that Ngqaza is suicidal, leading to his remand in the hospital section of Pollsmoor prison until his next court appearance on July 12th.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has made it clear that they will vehemently oppose Ngqaza's bail application. NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila emphasized the severity of the victim's injuries and her current state of fear, stating, "She is currently in the hospital and she is fearing for her life and is opposing the release of the accused."
The disturbing video, which elicited an emotional response from countless internet users, shows young Luvo Ngqaza aggressively pushing his grandmother to the ground while she pleads, "Undibulalelani Luvo" (Why are you killing me, Luvo?). The footage quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for the perpetrator to face the full force of the law.
BREAKING NEWS: Luvo has been arrested, this after he was seen on a trending video physically assaulting and insulting his grandmother.
The 19 year old man requested his cousin to take a video of him assaulting his grandmother. pic.twitter.com/r18mYL3OUV
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) July 4, 2024
In a heartwarming gesture of support, members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party visited the traumatized grandmother in the hospital. The EFF, known for its advocacy of social justice, expressed solidarity with the victim and made it clear that they stand firmly against any form of violence, particularly towards vulnerable individuals.
While investigations revealed that the assault actually occurred a month ago, the grandmother initially refused to provide a statement. However, a case was opened on her behalf, leading to Ngqaza's subsequent arrest earlier this week. The Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Colonel André Traut, affirmed the police's commitment to combating crimes against women and children, stating, "We will not turn a blind eye to any form of violence in this regard."
The viral video and subsequent coverage have ignited a passionate dialogue on social media platforms, with users expressing their shock, outrage, and opinions on the matter. Online publication MDN News shared images of the EFF's hospital visit, along with the distressing footage of Luvo assaulting his grandmother, eliciting a wave of reactions from concerned citizens.
