E Cape social development to probe granny beating

The Eastern Cape department of social development has launched a probe into the assault of Hope Shepherd‚ allegedly by a staff member during her stay at Lily Kirchmann old age home in East London.

Spokesman for the department Gcobani Maswana said: "As the custodians of older persons‚ we will be visiting the old age home to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.

"What has happened to Mrs Shepherd is terrible and should be condemned in the worst possible manner. Mrs Shepherd  needs counselling to get over this disturbing episode."

Maswana said the department was obliged to act as it encouraged elderly people to live in old age homes.

The assault was caught on camera‚ which was secretly planted inside Shepherd’s room by her daughter Bernice Robertson.

"As the department we are really moved by her bravery. The abuse needs to be curbed‚" Maswana said.

A 40-year-old caregiver at the facility‚ Ncediswa Mkenkcele‚ has since been arrested and is facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

She is currently out on a warning and will appear again in the East London Magistrate’s Court on June 5. – Daily Dispatch

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