"Please do not keep quiet if you are being abused. Report it to Heal, by calling our toll-free number 08000 03081 if you are in dire need," said the district coordinator Erma Meyer during the talk.
She explained exactly what constitutes abusive behaviour, and how the elderly should not be made to feel unwelcome in their own home and have their pension money taken away from them. She also reminded guests to look after their health, stay mobile (with exercise) and independent for as long as possible. The public are also able to report abuse on the toll-free number.
Police Sector Manager for Borcherds/Lawaaikamp, Warrant Officer Mike Kritzinger (formerly of the Hawks) and Warrant Officer Calvin Mooi of Conville Police Station, gave stern reminders that thugs are always ready to prey on the elderly and vigilance is therefore essential at all times: "Keep a torch and a cellphone at the ready next to your bed with the sector police telephone numbers to dial direct, lock your windows at night and don't allow strangers into your home."
The direct number for three sectors were handed out - Sector 1 (Lavalia, Rosemoor and Protea Park): 082 522 3109; Conville Police Station: 044 803 3341/2. Sector 2 (Conville, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, Ballotsview): 082 379 2844. Sector 3 (Lawaaikamp/Borcherds): 082 379 2472. The Legal Advice Line is 0800 110 110.
Other speakers on the full programme were Kenneth Mazaleni of the Department of Social Development, Charles Peterbridge of Legal Aid and Bobby November of Sassa. The Heal office is situated in the Nedbank Building in York Street and serves the entire Southern Cape from Plettenberg Bay to Beaufort West. Up to 30 new incidents are reported every month.
Stop! The friendly faces at the Halt Elder Abuse Line (Heal) are Erma Meyer, Masadi Nomdoe and Albert Mahlaba. They man the lines on a 24/7 basis to render assistance to the elderly in their hour of need.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
