Cape Town - During the bail application for her grandson, who stands accused of assault, an elderly woman expressed profound fear for her well-being and safety.
The Kraaifontein woman, Sindiwe Ngqaza, 82, testified in Kuils River Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The wheelchair-bound granny who suffered a stroke was discharged from Karl Bremmer just for the day.
Her grandson, Luvo, was arrested on July 3 on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and the contravention of the Older Persons Act.
Police took him into custody after a video went viral on social media showing him slapping his gran several times.
The incident happened on June 14, but was only revealed on July 4.
Sindiwe told the court she felt numb after the assault and has not been well since.
“We had a fight, an argument and he threatened to beat me. And he did, he slapped me, I felt dizzy and fell on the ground.
“I got up and felt that my left arm, head and ribs hurt. I went to bed and the next morning my left side was numb and I couldn’t move.
“I was taken to hospital and someone called the police but he wasn’t arrested. He remained in my house until his arrest.”
She told the court that she did not want Ngqaza to be released on bail.
“I don’t want him to be released, because he will hurt me again and I am scared. He steals my money from me and sells my stuff to buy drugs and smoke with friends. This was not our first fight but it was the first assault. He would normally swear at me. He has threatened to hit me before.
“After the incident, I told him to pack his things and go, but he refused.”
Investigating officer Vuyani September told the court if the accused had to be released, he would be in danger.
“His life is also not safe after the video of the incident went viral and the community is very angry. If he is released, the accused will be dealt with. And after he was arrested he said that he didn’t want to be alive any more, which is why he is in the medical section in Pollsmoor.”
Ngqaza said in his affidavit he would like to be released to go to school and asked for a warning due to lack of funds.
The case was postponed until Monday.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za