‘He repeatedly kicked his father because he did not shine his shoes properly’

COMMUNITY leaders are raising alarms over the disturbing rise in elderly abuse, urging neighbours to report cases of violence and neglect against vulnerable seniors

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

They have noted an increase in the number of elderly being beaten and abused at the hands of their own children.

Last week, a 47-year-old Shallcross man was arrested after he allegedly brutally assaulted his 78-year-old father, and he stabbed a Chatsworth police officer with a kitchen knife when he responded to the incident. The man was charged with assault and resisting arrest, and he was granted bail of R500.

Community leaders said this case shone the spotlight on abuse, and sparked a call to end abuse of the elderly.

Dhivesh Durgapersadh, a community leader in Shallcross, said many incidents of elder abuse were not reported to authorities.

“Fear and the love these elder folks have for their children or grandchildren is what prevents them from going to the police. Drug abuse and unemployment are fuelling the problem in Shallross.

“I have witnessed a son steal the food off the stove and the socks off his moth-er's feet so he could sell them to feed his drug habit. The son also assaulted the mom on many occasions. This was the worst incident I had witnessed. But the law can only do so much. The onus is on the victims to report such behaviour and ensure that justice takes it course,” he added.

Durgapersadh said the victims often withdrew the cases.

“Often victims withdraw cases out of fear. They should obtain protection orders against such perpetrators, be it family or not. Respecting elders is the cornerstone of a strong community. It’s a practice that fosters empathy, gratitude and a sense of continuity across generations,” he said.