The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development has noted with concern the article in The Star newspaper about the alleged assault of the 93 year old elderly woman at the Golden Harvest Retirement Village in Bromhof in Randburg.
The department views the allegations in a serious light and an investigation will be conducted into the matter.
While this is a privately run institution, in terms of the law the department has an obligation to ensure that vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, women and the disabled are cared for and treated with dignity and respect.
The department will send social workers to the home to investigate the circumstances leading to this incident as well as the care provided to all the other elderly people at the home.
Once the investigation has been completed, the department will look into ways of providing assistance to the home should it be needed.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 June 2010
