Six female caregivers, aged between 30 and 73, appeared before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing serious charges related to the alleged assault and mistreatment of an 81-year-old woman at a retirement care centre in Dagbreek, Welkom.
The accused, identified as Anna Fourie 73, Lynette Brummer 64, Mapaseka Majorobella 35, Nomsa Ngcongwane 55, Ntswaki Mofolo 30, and Puseletso Moloi, 33, are implicated in a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage in the community.
According to court documents, the victim’s family received a call from Lynette Brummer, the facility’s manager. She claimed the older woman was refusing to take her medication.
Victim discovered with bad injuries
Upon arriving at the centre, the family discovered the victim in a distressing state. She had visible blood and injuries on her face, hands, and arms.
The older woman was reportedly found in wet and cold conditions, raising immediate concerns about her treatment.
Further police investigations uncovered harrowing details of the alleged abuse.
Authorities claim the victim’s hands and neck were bound with duct tape, and her face was covered.
Family called police, evidence seized
Sergeant Palesa Thabana said police confiscated a roll of black duct tape and pieces of duct tape with traces of blood. These are now key evidence in the case.
“Four of the suspects, Anna Fourie, Lynette Brummer, Mapaseka Majorobella, and Nomsa Ngcongwane, were arrested on Wednesday, 09 July 2025. They face charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), kidnapping, and contravening Act 13 of 2006, the Older Persons Act,” said Thabana.
On Monday, two additional caregivers, Ntswaki Mofolo and Puseletso Moloi, were arrested.
They appeared with their co-accused and were charged with GBH and contravening the Older Persons Act.
All six remain in custody
All six suspects remain in custody. The case has been postponed to next Wednesday for further proceedings in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable older residents in care facilities. And it has prompted calls for stricter oversight and accountability.
