By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West calls for a probe of an old age home in Jericho village, near Brits. This comes an elderly man (80), who was a resident, allegedly killed by two fellow resident pensioners aged 75 and 92.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the alleged perpetrators were arrested in connection with the incident and are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 3 June 2024 to answer to murder charges.
“The victim and the suspects allegedly stayed at an old age home together and a fight ensued between them at around 4am on 30 May 2024. The victim was from the bathroom when he met with the suspects, who were on their way to the bathroom.
“The victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects, who allegedly retaliated by hitting him with his crutches. The suspect’s companion apparently joined his friend and they both assaulted the victim. The owner of the old age was notified and the police were summoned,” she said.
Funani further said the victim, who sustained head injuries, was transported to hospital by an ambulance, but was certified dead on arrival.
The Convenor of Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “As civil society led organization promoting the Charter of Positive Values and Ubuntu, we describe the incident that has sent shock waves across rural and urban communities as outrageous.
“We are extremely concerned at the level of intolerance and extreme violent behaviour that suggests possible bullying among the most vulnerable in our society who were collectively admitted at the facility to guarantee their safety and wellbeing.”
Kgwele added that peaceful co-existence was supposed to characterise the environment at the old age home.
“While we are confident that the law will take its course, we urge authorities to get to the bottom of the matter and ensure that counselling and psycho-social support services are offered to the rest of the residents at the old age home and staff.
“The family of the deceased will find closure knowing that justice has been served, that there was full accountability and that the facility had done everything to safeguard the safety of their loved one,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his shock and conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim.
The Guardian 