MOKOPANE – The municipality reached out a hand of aid to Herfsland, the low-cost housing for the elderly, following the murder last Wednesday on Hannie van Rooyen (81).
Read more: Vrou (81) vermoor in tehuis vir bejaardes, Mokopane
After the brutal murder at Herfsland the Deputy Manager Corporate Support Service from Mogalakwena Municipality, Jabu Mashamaite and Yolande Coetzee, Ward 32 Councillor of the Municipality, visited the elderly.
Coetzee said: “We are grateful towards the municipality for placing two guards at night and one guard during the day at Herfsland. According to Coetzee she and Mashamaite also met with the Department of Social Development on Friday morning and a decision was made that a Senior Cititzens Support Group would be established.
“This group will help with communication among the elderly the municipality, institutions and businesses. A public meeting will be organised around the support and launch of the group when everything is in place.
“I would also thank the Chairperson of the Business Chamber, Andy Goetsch for donating two gates for the entrance to Herfsland, and Dr Chris Harris from the NG Hulp en Hoop Gemeenskapskerk for the trauma counselling to the elderly.”
According to Coetzee, she and Mashamaite will convene a meeting with two mining houses and local businesses to address security, maintenance and all other challenges encountered at Herfsland.
Mashamaite said the senior citizens indicated that they no longer feel safe and requested the municipality’s assistance to increase security and maintain the buildings.
Mashamaite proposed that, after this incident and other challenges that senior citizens face, the municipality should assist with their plight daily.
Mogalakwena Mayor, Andrina Matsemela who couldn’t pay a visit due to other government commitments, was saddened to hear about the death and gave messages of condolences to the family and the centre.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
