The teenager who beat his grandmother to a pulp is now being held in a prison hospital because he has been sharing s_icidal threats.
Teenager Who Beat His Grandmother Raises S_icidal Concerns
Nineteen-year-old Luvo Gqaza was caught on video allegedly thrashing his 82-year-old granny. He has now been moved to the hospital wing of Pollsmoor Prison. Kuils River Magistrate’s Court made this decision after Luvo told the investigating officer he was contemplating suicide.
The video, which caused widespread outrage, shows Luvo bashing the elderly woman, who then fell to her knees. Gqaza faces charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and contravention of the Older Persons Act.
ALSO READ: 19-Year-Old Man Arrested After Assaulting Grandmother in Viral Video
The video, which went viral on social media and was widely condemned, shows the teen assaulting the woman after a verbal altercation at her home in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein. The young man is seen slapping the woman, causing her to drop a pot of rice. He then hits her again, sending her to the ground. The woman tries to regain her balance and eventually stands as the teen stands over her.
This is very sad😔 This Young Man ( Luluvo Ngqaza ) beating up his grandmother and it is said this is not the first time this ha happened neighbors say it is his usual thing. It gets deep hearing Grandma giving up his life and this shows how much this boy has been a pain to her. pic.twitter.com/YRtMxOtajK
— MurderBaby (@MurderBaby_38) July 3, 2024
Court Proceedings
The court has postponed the matter to 12 July for a bail application. NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila stated that the State intends to oppose bail due to the severity of the woman’s injuries. He added that the victim is still receiving medical treatment and fears for her life.
Outside the court, a small group of EFF members protested against the assault. EFF regional secretary Banzi Dambuza claimed the accused asked a relative to record the assault. He said:
“He wanted it to be seen. That is why we have no sympathy for this young boy. Luvo wanted people to see this.”
Before the physical attack, the two appeared to be arguing over food. The verbal altercation continues as the person recording the video watches.
Kraaifontein police, upon learning about the video, traced the woman to a hospital where she was being treated for an unrelated ailment. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the woman declined to submit a statement, but police proceeded with a case of assault against the 19-year-old.
The assault took place in June at the victim’s home, but the family had initially declined police intervention.
