The accused, Nomakhosazana Cynthia Lebea, stood before Magistrate Piet Bester who then postponed the matter to 20 June so that it can be transferred to the Regional Court. 

Lebea was appearing on a charge of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. 

The woman who works in the kitchen area of the Free State-located old age home is alleged to have gotten into an altercation with the 79-year-old Elize Devenish over a tub of yoghurt in the cafeteria on Wednesday, May 22. 

The altercation resulted in Devenish falling and breaking her left forearm in full view of CCTV camera. The elderly resident was further left lying on the ground for over five minutes without receiving assistance, not even from a passing nurse. The two employees were suspended by the facility as a result and faced disciplinary proceedings. Police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, tells OFM News police have not arrested the nurse who was also suspended after the incident.

Meanwhile, the Engo family, the umbrella body under which the home falls, is yet to release a media statement on the matter as well as allegations that nurses and caretakers at the facility are angry with how the matter was handled and are threatening to strike. 

The case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened with Park Road Police Station on Monday by Devenish’s son Charl and his wife Elzarie who are seeking justice for the 79-year-old.

Charl was present for the proceedings at the courthouse but did not go inside the packed room. Lebea’s co-workers were present.

OFM News