In Kraaifontein, South Africa, a disturbing video of a 19yearold grandson violating his elderly grandmother surfaced on social media, prompting law enforcement to take action. The victim declined to provide a statement, but the suspect was arrested and charged with assault. The incident highlights the societal problem of elder abuse and the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable elderly individuals, not just in South Africa but worldwide. The pursuit of justice in this case is not just for the victim, but for every elderly individual who has suffered abuse, and it is a mission for humanity that we all must partake in.
A study conducted by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has revealed that elder abuse is a significant issue in South Africa. One out of ten older adults aged 65 and above has experienced some form of abuse, according to the study. Financial and emotional abuse are the most prevalent types, with more than half of the abusive acts involving theft of money, valuables, or other items committed by strangers.