A frail care home for seniors and social grant recipients located in Hibberdene, KwaZulu-Natal, has recently become mired in horrifying allegations of abuse, cruelty, and neglect. The home, run by convicted fraudster Kathy Scrooby, has been labeled the "house of horrors" by former residents, who recount disturbing tales of exploitation and mistreatment.
Scrooby, who was sentenced by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for fraud last September, has been the subject of repeated accusations following claims from former residents and disgruntled employees. These accounts suggest not only environmental issues at the care home but denote financial misconduct as well.
According to Eyewitness News, Scrooby allegedly lured vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and frail, via social media posts promising a safe haven. Families believing they were placing their loved ones under compassionate care soon realized the grim reality, as Scrooby would demand their Sassa cards, using this to directly draw their social grant payments, which were supposed to cover their needs at the home.
Chad Thomas from IRS Forensic Investigations, who has been monitoring Scrooby for the past seven years due to earlier fraud allegations, revealed, "Scrooby also allegedly used fabricated documents to lure people ... She had reinvented herself as a ‘guardian’ for some of the most vulnerable people in society." With claims surfacing of unqualified staff administering medication and employing underage relatives to assist with caregiving, the situation appears dire.
One former resident revealed the true atmosphere of the home, stating, "It was a house of horrors. She'd withhold food, isolate you and threaten you constantly." Another resident, who identified herself as recovering from surgery, described feeling "less than human" as Scrooby would dispense abuse rather than care.
The conditions reached their lowest point with the death of Sarah van Wyk, whose tragic demise is tied to Scrooby's alleged negligence. Witnesses from the care home stated Van Wyk sustained injuries during what was described as a tumultuous encounter with Scrooby. A video captured shortly before her death showed Van Wyk asserting Scrooby's culpability, stating, "She said Sarah had it coming."
The horror escalated when it was claimed Scrooby allowed another resident with emphysema to languish without access to necessary medical equipment, citing costs rather than care as the reason.
When presented with these allegations, Scrooby vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting, "I always tried to do my best, but you can’t make everyone happy." She dismissed the accusations and referred to them as efforts led by disgruntled former staff members. Residents claim the real truth is much darker, alleging emotional and financial abuse coupled with physical neglect. It was reported Scrooby sometimes left deceased residents’ bodies unattended, only to later claim, "It’s not my problem anymore," emphasizing her detachment from her responsibilities.
The Department of Social Development has been criticized for its lack of oversight, having failed to respond to inquiries concerning the frail care home by the time of publication. The allegations have catalyzed community outrage, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory oversight and protection of vulnerable populations.
Now, as Scrooby's past controversies resurface with renewed interest, the plight of those living under her care raises questions about the overall systemic failures affecting the elderly and frail. What can be done to safeguard individuals reliant on such facilities? How can communities band together to protect their most vulnerable members from falling victim to those exploiting circumstances? This situation is but one poignant reminder of the dire need for change within the care systems currently governing vulnerable sectors of society.
