Luvo Ngqaza, 19, who was arrested early this month after a video of him allegedly assaulting his grandmother went viral on social media, has been released on a warning on Monday.
The Kuilsriver Magistrates Court granted the elderly Kraaifontein woman, Sindiwe Ngqaza, 82, a protection order and released her grandson, Luvo, on a warning according to the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.
He said Luvo, a Grade 12 learner at Masibambane Secondary School, was released with conditions which include that he must attend his trial, stay in Bloekombos, attend school regularly and be placed under house arrest from Friday afternoon until Monday morning.
The Northern News reported on the arrested which occured on Wednesday July 3 (“Man, 19, arrested for allegedly assaulting grandmother in Kraaifontein”, July 4).
In video footage of the incident, an argument over food between the grandmother and grandson at her house, in Wallacedene, escalates after she tries to reach for a pot of mealie pap on the stove. The accused is seen shoving his grandmother and slapping her on the head.
When the food spills on the floor, the 19-year-old orders his grandmother to pick it up, shoves her and threatens further assault. The old woman is heard questioning why she is being killed in her own house.
Soon after the incident the elderly woman was admitted to hospital with a stroke.
On Friday, the 82-year-old woman testified that she did not want her grandson back in her house as she feared him.
The investigating officer Vuyani September told the court that the assault happened on Friday June 14 and the victim sustained injuries on her head, ribs and left leg.
The case has been postponed for further investigation.