The woman arrested works in the kitchen area of the old age home. Police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, tells OFM News police have not arrested the nurse who was also suspended after the incident. The nurse is seen on camera passing the injured woman by. A case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened at the Park Road Police Station on Monday, after 79-year-old Elize Devenish fractured her left arm and sustained some other injuries to her hip and leg after the kitchen lady at the local facility grabbed her arm, resulting in her falling.

An argument between the two over yogurt is what sparked the assault which took place on Wednesday 22 May, right in front of CCTV cameras at the facility. A nurse can be seen walking past Devenish, leaving her on the floor for more than five minutes before helping her up. The woman is set to appear in the Local Magistrate’s court tomorrow.

The suspect was meant to appear before the presiding officer at the old age home today, which falls under the family care group Engo, to find out what the outcome of her hearing is, but she never pitched due to her arrest. This after the two employees were suspended by the management of Ons Tuiste Sentrum vir Bejaardes. The Head of Nursing Services at the facility, Ezelle Wilson, told OFM News previously that this is quite an unfortunate incident. “We always try to keep the communication between us and the family of the residents open.” The nursing head is aware the family has taken the matter up with local police. “The South African Police Service (SAPS) did visit us and some statements were taken, that is as far as I know,” concluded Wilson.

The outcome of the disciplinary hearing is yet to be known.

OFM News