By AGISANANG SCUFF
1 October 2025- The South African Poloce Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape said today marks the 35th anniversary of the United Nations in declaring, recognising, and honouring worldwide the contributions of older persons.
The SAPS said in South Africa, the commemoration forms part of the Older Persons Week and Social Development Month, observed annually to demonstrate the nations commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they remain committed to protecting and upholding the rights of older persons. Shemane said the growing abuse against older persons is a social concern and has many forms.
“Abuse such as violence, lack of access to services, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect, need to be addressed.
“The SAPS is obliged and mandated by the Constitution and the Older Persons Act, 2006, to ensure the protection of all elderly persons and dealing effectively with the plight of older persons by empowering and protecting them,” he said.
Shemane further said. SAPS members must provide elderly persons who are victims of crime with the necessary protection, assistance and support. Hadded that elderly abuse manifests in many ways and forms.
“It is found not only at home and the community but also in institutions and facilities that accommodate the elderly. Abuse can be the result of a single act or may continue over a period of time.
“Abuse can be accidental or a deliberate act. An abuser may be a relative, a partner, a caregiver, a volunteer, a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger,” said Shemane.
He said abuse can occur at any place such as at home, in a care home, in hospital, in sheltered housing, in supported living centers, at care centers and other day services or public places. Shemane said elderly are important pillars of society and continue to play useful roles in society by sharing their wisdom and experience with society.
“Since elder abuse is often conducted by those who have access to older persons as caregivers or relatives, it tends to be under-reporter.
“The safety hints must be taken into consideration. To install handrails, non-slip mats, and remove tripping hazards. To use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to prevent falls,” she said.
Shemane said individuals should regularly check in with family and friends to prevent isolation. He said they should also educate elderly persons on common scams targeting seniors.
“To consider investing in a medical alert . To encourage participation in senior centers for socialization and activities.
“To curb elderly abuse, a multi-agency approach and community-based partnerships is needed, in order to effectively safeguard the elderly with government departments such as the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health and those in the criminal justice system and civil society organizations for the successful conviction in cases which involve elderly abuse,” she said.
Shemane said anyone Anyone who suspects that an older person is being abused or has suffered abuse-related harm is urged to report the matter to the nearest police station or immediately call SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app or report to a social worker.
He said all information received will be treated confidentially.
The Guardian 