Teenager held in prison hospital over suicide threats after being filmed hitting elderly woman

The 19-year-old man arrested for assaulting an elderly woman is being held in the hospital wing of Pollsmoor Prison after a suicide threat. (Screenshot)

The 19-year-old man filmed beating an 82-year-old woman will be held in the hospital wing of Pollsmoor Prison amid fears he could commit suicide.

The Kuils River Magistrate’s Court has ordered that Luvo Gqaza be transferred to the hospital wing after he allegedly told the investigating officer that he was contemplating suicide.

The video, which sparked widespread outrage, shows the elderly woman being beaten and falling to her knees.

READ | ‘Beat me to death’: Cape Town man arrested after being seen on video assaulting grandmother

The teenager faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, as well as violating the Seniors Act.

The hearing was adjourned until July 12 for a bail application.

NPA spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said the state intended to oppose bail. He added that the victim remained in hospital and “feared for her life.”

More soon.

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