A 52-year-old Kuils River woman is expected to appear in court after she was arrested for the alleged violent assault of her husband living with a disability.
The incident was captured on video where a woman can be seen beating the man with a stick as he tries to shield himself with his arms.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said police attended to a complaint on Monday night where the woman was also arrested.
“According to reports on Monday September 9, at 8.30pm SAPS Kuilsriver complaints vehicle attended to a complaint of domestic violence in Mount Fletcher Street, Kalkfontein. On arrival at the home, the police found the home filled with lots of community members that apparently wanted to intervene as the wife assaulted her elderly husband.
She allegedly continuously assaults her husband as he is ill and cannot fight back.
“The members interviewed the husband and he did not want to open a criminal case. The police official then opened a case of assault common (domestic violence) and arrested the wife,” Van Wyk said.
Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) said its investigation would determine the most appropriate course of intervention.
“DSD social workers are also providing support where needed for the victim,” the department said.
ANC disability desk provincial convenor Sarah Bakamela-Ngema who also lives with a disability said: “We need all the assistance we can get from social development to remove the grandfather from the woman’s care. As people living with disabilities we are tired of being mistreated. We often suffer at the hands of able-bodied people but it happens behind closed doors. In some cases the neighbours know but they don’t report the abuse.
They must make an example with this case. The abuse was very severe. The lady could have killed her husband.”
NPO Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said the incident was both shocking and unacceptable.
“People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in our society, and we cannot tolerate violence against them in any form. This incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen safeguards for those who are at heightened risk”.
Members of the public can report abuse at their nearest DSD local office, or by calling the toll-free number 0800 220 250, or at the nearest SAPS station.
Cape Times