Man arrested for assaulting elderly women in viral video! A 29-year-old man has been arrested in the Eastern Cape after he was caught on camera allegedly assaulting two women. The video, which went viral on social media, sparked outrage and calls for justice.
Eastern Cape police have reaffirmed their commitment to fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and swiftly acted on the incident. The footage, which circulated widely, showed a man brutally attacking two women in Elliotdale, prompting an immediate police response.
Incident Caught on Camera
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, the disturbing incident took place at the Sholorha Location, outside Elliotdale, on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
“The suspect was seen in the video assaulting two women at the Sholorha Location outside Elliotdale,” said Mawisa.
As soon as the video surfaced, police launched an investigation into the matter. However, initial efforts to track down the suspect were unsuccessful.
Arrest and Charges
Despite the initial challenges, law enforcement officers persisted in their efforts to bring the suspect to justice. After conducting thorough investigations and gathering evidence, the police were finally able to apprehend the suspect.
“A case of assault was opened for investigation, and a preliminary investigation was conducted with no success,” Mawisa explained.
Eventually, the suspect was located, arrested, and formally charged with assault. At this stage, police have not yet determined the motive behind the attack, and further investigations are ongoing.
“The motive is unclear and forms part of the continuing investigation,” Mawisa added.
Court Appearance Scheduled
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Elliotdale Magistrate’s Court on Monday. His arrest comes amid growing concerns over the rise in cases of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa, which has been described as a national crisis.
Community members and activists are expected to attend the court proceedings to show their support for the victims and to demand swift justice.
Police Condemn Gender-Based Violence
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that GBV has no place in society.
“SAPS strongly condemns acts of GBV. Such heinous crimes have no place in our society,” said Mawisa.
“SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, particularly women and children. We will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute GBV cases and to provide support and protection to victims.”
A Growing Concern in South Africa
South Africa has some of the highest rates of Gender-Based Violence in the world, with thousands of women and children falling victim to abuse, assault, and murder every year. The country has seen an alarming increase in domestic violence, rape, and femicide cases, prompting widespread calls for urgent intervention.
Authorities have urged victims and witnesses to report cases of GBV immediately so that perpetrators can be held accountable. Law enforcement agencies have also been encouraged to take swift action against offenders to ensure that justice is served.
Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
The viral video has sparked public outrage, with many South Africans calling for harsher punishments for those found guilty of violence against women. Social media users have demanded that the suspect receive the maximum sentence possible, as part of efforts to deter future cases of GBV.
Women’s rights activists have also reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV, such as toxic masculinity, economic inequality, and the normalization of violence in certain communities. They have called on the government to increase funding for shelters, counseling services, and legal aid for victims.
The Road Ahead
While the suspect’s arrest marks a step in the right direction, activists argue that much more needs to be done to combat GBV in South Africa.
Organizations advocating for women’s rights are urging communities to work together to support survivors and to challenge harmful attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.
With the suspect now facing legal proceedings, many are hopeful that justice will be served and that this case will send a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
