The much-anticipated court case involving the horrifying and inhumane alleged assault of a frail 81-year-old victim at an old age home in Welkom has been postponed to January 2026 for further investigation and witness statements.
The trial against Lynette Brummer (64), Anna Fourie (73), Nomsa Ngcongwane (56), Prudence Majorobella (35), Mofolo Ntswaki (30), and Puseleletso Mola (33) will commence in the Welkom Regional Court on 30 January 2026.
Facing serious charges
The charges against the accused include attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and kidnapping of an 81-year-old woman at a frail care home in Welkom. They also face charges under the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 for physical and mental abuse of an elderly person.
Regional Magistrate Ludidi stated during the postponement on Monday, 8 December, that these charges are very serious and in the Regional Court carry sentences of not less than 15 years’ imprisonment each.
Brummer (accused number 1) and her co-accused sat silently in court whilst they heard that their case was now progressing through the legal justice system and that the trial was set for January next year in the Regional Court in Welkom.
The six accused were supported by family members as they heard that their case was to be remanded.
The magistrate also approved a request by Vista to photograph the accused during the trial. The lawyers for the accused opposed this application. In his finding, the magistrate noted that journalists across South Africa photograph accused persons during trials.
Mariana Payne, daughter of victim Bettie Payne, again sat stoically in the public gallery. In her determination to see justice for the alleged atrocities against her mother, she is committed to following the trial through to its conclusion. She expressed satisfaction that the trial would continue in January.
Previously herd testimony
According to testimony heard during the previous court sitting on 6 August, Brummer allegedly assaulted the frail victim. There was also mention of a voice note in which Brummer allegedly admits to the daughter of the victim that she had slapped her mother.
The alleged assault took place at an old age home where the victim resides. The matter was reported to police by the victim’s daughter, who opened the case.
Bail conditions reaffirmed
Welkom Magistrates’ Court has granted Lynette Brummer, accused number one, R5 000 bail, whilst the other accused received bail of R1 000 each. The bail conditions remain in place and have been extended.
Brummer was granted bail under strict terms:
- May not go near the old age home
- May not interfere with, intimidate, or contact witnesses
- May not tamper with evidence or approach the victim
- Must maintain at least a 100-metre radius from the centre
Upon paying bail, Brummer had six hours to surrender her passport. The state expressed concern that she holds a valid passport and that her son-in-law works and lives in America. Brummer may not apply for a new passport when the existing one expires in 2026.
The magistrate confirmed that these strict bail conditions remain in effect.
The first four accused were arrested on 9 July, with two additional arrests following subsequently.
Disturbing evidence heard in court
Vista began reporting when the gruesome acts came to light following the discovery of video camera footage captured in the victim’s room at the old age home. Staff were aware of the camera’s presence.
The video footage and photographs depict extreme verbal, mental, and physical abuse to which the elderly woman was subjected. The elderly woman was physically subdued and restrained with duct tape, with her mouth and hands bound to prevent movement.
The emotional scenes in the video are exacerbated by photographs showing extremely bruised hands, bleeding lips from the duct tape, and bruises, scratches, and scrapes to the face.
This case has shocked the community and highlighted serious concerns about the care and protection of vulnerable elderly residents in care facilities.
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