EFF Cape Metro statement on the viral video of Luvo Ngqaza brutally beating up his mother and we welcome his arrest

4 July 2024

Economic Freedom Fighters in Cape Metro is enraged by the viral video of a 19-year-old, Luvo Ngqaza, who is seen brutally beating up an elderly, alleged to be his grandmother, almost until death. This is a tragic incident highlights how the government has failed dismally to protect the vulnerable people of our society, particularly our elders, women, and children.

In the viral video circulating on social media, Luvo is seen demanding food from the grandmother before clapping her, causing the pots with the food falling to the floor. Luvo continued to brutally beat his grandmother until she was unconscious, resulting in the hospitalization of the grandmother. The incident occurred in Kraainfontein, Wallacedene in Zone 10, Cape Metro.

EFF in Cape Metro extends its deepest sympathy to the grandmother who has become a victim of her circumstances. Her only fault is that she is poor, and her poverty almost killed her. We strongly assert that there is no place in our society for people like Luvo, who show no regard for the vulnerable citizens of our society, particularly the elderly. There is no space in our society for people who brutally raise their hands on elders, even the bible forbids such actions.

The leadership of Cape Metro attended the grandmother's case this moming. We were informed that Luvo was apprehended yesterday evening by the police and is currently in custody. The leadership further went to the police to get the details of the case and was informed by the police officials that Luvo has been arrested for assault and domestic violence. He will be appearing in Kuilsriver court, tomorrow (Friday).

The EFF will make sure that Luvo receives the sentencing he deserves. He must be charged with assault with intent to cause bodily harm. He will receive his rehabilitation in jail as there is no space for him in our society. It is also concerning that a young man like him has become a significant danger to our society when he should be in school building his future.

However, we are not surprised by Luvo's aggressive and dangerous behaviour, as it stems from the neglected streets of Cape Flats, which have been dismally failed by the DA-led government. The Cape Flats have turned into war zones, where women and kids are raped and killed daily. Crime in Cape Flats is significantly escalating, and gangsterism has become rampant. Our streets have become a playground for gangsters, while our homes have turned into prisons.

In the same breath, we need to acknowledge crime as a socio-economic issue with a specific face, a black face. Poverty is the greatest crime, stealing our dignity as black people. Over 30 years into our pseudo-democracy, we witnessed a family almost killing each other over food. Luvo and his grandmother fought over food, Luvo almost killed his grandmother over food. This tragic scene is a stark reminder of the ANC's failure to deliver on its promises. We need to start admitting that the former liberation movement, the ANC, sold our people a lie.

What kind of freedom that allows us to watch on social media families almost killing each other over food? What we saw happening in the video is not unique to the Ngqaza family, it is a daily reality for many families in the townships due to poverty. The only difference is that the Ngqaza family's struggle was recorded. Families in townships are fighting over a slice of bread and no longer talk to each other because of poverty. Black people must come to the realization that they are on their own.

The EFF in Cape Metro also wishes to clarify that a video circulating on social media, purportedly showing Luvo being beaten by a mob, is fake news. The injured person in the video is not Luvo. As previously stated, Luvo was apprehended by the police yesterday evening, and the police reported that he was unharmed.

EFF Cape Metro leadership and its delegation will visit the grandmother in the hospital during visiting hours today. We will closely monitor her situation and well-being, and decisively intervene in whatever she might need.

We will ensure that she is comfortable and warm, especially in this cold Cape Town weather. We also appeal to everyone with the capacity to assist the family in any way possible. We must come together as political organizations, community members, and NGOs to make our communities a better place for all. It all starts with us.

Issued by Ntsikelelo Tyandela, Regional Chairperson, EFF, 5 July 2024