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Sonke is alarmed by reports of abuse, rape and neglect at the Ipeleng Bagodi old age home in the Jericho, North West province.
The illegal centre, which is non-compliant with the Non-profit Organisations Act, recently made headlines when two of its residents were arrested for an alleged murder of a fellow resident Godfrey Motsepe Thema. There have also been numerous allegations of rape and abuse by the facility employees earlier this year.
"Sonke strongly denounces the abuse of the elderly. It is unfortunate that these victims experience abuse in what is supposed to be their safe space. It is unacceptable that a centre that has been declared illegally is still operating. It must close pending investigations, and the Department of Social Development must ensure that all perpetrators of these crimes face the full might of the law. We also encourage that the victims are their families be offered psychosocial support." Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice.
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