Man questioned after viral video shows assault on elderly woman at Mpumalanga tavern

Police in Mpumalanga have questioned a man after a video circulating on social media showed an elderly woman being assaulted outside a tavern. The video reportedly depicts a young male in a yellow T-shirt repeatedly striking the woman.

What happened

Mpumalanga police said the incident took place at a liquor outlet in Magogeni, near Nkomazi, at roughly 9pm on Saturday. According to police, the victim, who is employed at the establishment, was watching television when she was allegedly instructed to change the TV channel and was then violently assaulted.

Police response and investigation

Schoemansdal police investigated after they were alerted to a “disturbing video” being shared on social media. They tracked down the elderly victim, provided her with medical assistance and collected further details on the incident, Mpumalanga police said.

Police have taken in a 22-year-old man for questioning in connection with the assault, but he had not been immediately charged with a crime, the provincial force said. “The investigation continues, and no one will be spared should more information warrant further action,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed.

Provincial leadership reacts

Provincial police leadership condemned the attack and praised those who helped bring the incident to the attention of law enforcement.

“The brutal assault of an elderly and vulnerable member of our community is both unacceptable and deeply disturbing. Such acts have no place in our society,”

stated Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi. He added:

“We commend the members who responded promptly upon discovering the video, as well as worked tirelessly to locate the victim and ensure that appropriate action was taken.”

“Saps remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and will act decisively against anyone who perpetrates violence against defenceless victims,”

Mkhwanazi concluded.

Next steps

Mpumalanga police said the investigation is ongoing and that further developments will be communicated as it progresses.