Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, has formally opened a criminal case alleging abuse and harm against older persons in terms of the Older Persons Act. The case was registered at Lenasia Police Station under Case Number: 115/07/2026.
The complaint relates to the alleged actions of City Power and the City of Johannesburg, where electricity disconnections reportedly placed vulnerable elderly residents at serious risk. Among those affected are 7 older persons, including an elderly resident dependent on an oxygen machine and another resident aged 90 years. It is alleged that despite the matter being escalated to the Mayor and the City Manager, no intervention was made to restore the electricity supply.
Before opening the case, Deputy Minister Hendricks addressed the Deputy Director-General (DDG) responsible for older persons within the Department of Social Development, requesting the immediate deployment of social workers to investigate the matter and to consider laying criminal charges in terms of the Older Persons Act. The communication was copied to the Acting Director-General of the Department.
In response, the DDG acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stating:
“I agree this is a violation of the older persons’ human rights. I will ask the Provincial Director to send the social worker.”
The assigned social worker subsequently confirmed that the matter had been received and would be investigated, responding:
“The matter is noted and will be investigated further.”
The Deputy Minister has also indicated that he intends obtaining legal assistance to prepare a sworn affidavit in support of the criminal complaint.
The matter is expected to be investigated by both the South African Police Service and the Department of Social Development to determine whether the alleged conduct amounts to abuse, neglect, or any other offence under the Older Persons Act and other applicable legislation.
This case highlights the importance of protecting the dignity, safety, and human rights of older persons, particularly where interruptions to essential services may place their health and lives at risk.