Instances such as the killing of an elderly resident and allegations of rape at Ipeleng Bagodi old age home in the North West, the viral video of a 19-year-old assaulting an elderly woman in the Western Cape, and the rape and stabbing of an 83-year-old woman at Dikweteng village in Mpumalanga demonstrate that older persons are not safe. Despite legal protections, older persons face various challenges as a vulnerable group with unique and differing needs. It is distressing that older persons are experiencing abuse from individuals in their communities who should be providing support and protection.

The Older Persons Act aims to uphold the rights of older persons and ensure their well-being, safety, and security. The recent attacks on older persons are regrettable, and the Commission has emphasized the importance of the Older Persons Amendment Bill, which seeks to safeguard the rights and welfare of older persons comprehensively. This Bill, endorsed by the Commission, addresses immediate and sensitive intervention in cases of abuse and mandates the provision of temporary safe care and removal from dangerous environments, which is crucial for immediate protection.

The Commission acknowledges the swift responses of the police in various incidents and urges those who witness such events to be cautious when capturing evidence. It calls for communities to work together to ensure the protection of older persons and to create a safe environment for the elderly, upholding their dignity and rights.

It is essential that anyone who suspects abuse or ill-treatment of an older person must report it immediately to the police, who must act against the abuser. Social workers should also be informed to assist the older person. Failure to report abuse of an older person is a punishable crime. The Commission is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to bring those who have committed these criminal acts to justice.

Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission

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For further information or inquiries, please contact Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission