Horror at frail care home

ALLEGATIONS: CLAIMS OF CRUELTY, ABUSE BY CONVICTED SOUTH COAST FRAUDSTER

- Hein Kaiser

A frail care home for seniors and social grant recipients in Hibberdene on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal has become known as the "house of horrors" as residents are allegedly being abused.

The home is run by Kathy Scrooby, a convicted fraudster who has faced repeated allegations of cruelty, neglect and financial misconduct.

Despite Scrooby's denials, allegations by former residents and disgruntled employees paint a damning picture of exploitation.

In fact, a home was established a few kilometres away by a former staffer for residents who "escaped" from Scrooby's clutches.

In some instances, those people lost what little they had while under Scrooby's roof.

Scrooby allegedly recruited residents for the frail care home using social media. Posts promising refuge for the frail, the old and tired caught the attention of many victims.

It also seemed to families a convenient way to place their parents or family members in care.

Many residents remain alone with no family ties.

Applicants just had to have a source of income - either assets or a Sassa card.

The latter had to be allegedly handed to Scrooby who, in turn, drew the government stipend every month to fund the individual's board and lodging. She allegedly deployed her children to queue for the payouts.

The death of resident Sarah van Wyk is perhaps the most harrowing example of what allegedly transpired under Scrooby's care.

Witnesses who now live in the alternative home allege the elderly resident succumbed to injuries inflicted during a violent altercation with Scrooby.

"She said Sarah had it coming," a former resident claimed.