A 19-year-old Kraaifontein resident accused of assaulting his 82-year-old grandmother is now on suicide watch in the hospital section of Pollsmoor Prison.
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The teenager, Luvo Gqaza, appeared in the Kuils River Magistrates’ Court on Friday after being arrested Wednesday night following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing the assault. Gqaza faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and violating the Older Person’s Act.
The incident has sparked public outrage and concern. In court, Gqaza’s defence team requested that he be remanded in the hospital section of Pollsmoor Prison due to his suicidal tendencies, a request the state did not oppose given the concerns for his mental well-being.
Luvo Ngqaza, 19, has been detained. This comes after he was caught on film savagely attacking his grandmother.
He is set to appear in Blue Downs Magistrates Court on a charge of assault. pic.twitter.com/BrI3anWr1k
— UNRULY. (@uuniversalmusic) July 4, 2024
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, the grandmother is currently hospitalised and reportedly fears for her life.
The case has been adjourned until 12 July, 2024, when a bail application hearing is scheduled. The state has indicated it will oppose any bail application.
Reactions on social media platform X were mixed.
One user, @M_BUG_A, commented, ‘I think he’s still young and prone to mistakes, they can forgive him since his granny didn’t press charges.’
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Picture: Unruly / X