During the early hours of Tuesday morning, August 12, sleeping in bed, we were rudely awakened by loud noises, bedroom lights on and guns in our faces.
We were told to be quiet and tied up.
The intruders were interested only in our money, our jewellery and our safe.
After what seemed like forever, they escaped the same way they came, over an electric fence of over 2m.
We live in a secure complex.
Or rather, we thought that we live in a secure complex.
Our privacy, as well as our emotions, were severely violated during the break-in.
We were not physically harmed, but the emotional scarring will take a long time to heal.
My Pekingese dogs, who sleep with us in the room, are still suffering the emotional trauma of the break-in.
I would like to thank my neighbours, who came out when my husband ran onto the balcony screaming for help.
Once the intruders had left, he broke free and managed to get onto the balcony, only to watch them drop our flat screen TV as they scaled the perimeter wall.
I would also like to thank the Kempton Park Police for their wonderful and quick reaction time.
They arrived on the scene within five minutes of my making the call.
Within two hours of my reporting the incident, the SAPS had completed their on-the-scene investigation, fingerprints and all.
You were all so kind, caring and professional. Thank you.
Two days after the incident, we were introduced to the CPF (Community Protection Forum) in our area.
This is the most amazing group of volunteers who, bravely, and voluntarily, protect our streets day in and day out.
You guys made me feel safe again, and have also given me hope.
We have, subsequent to the incident, joined your crime update forums, and hope to join as permanent members, too. CPF – you guys rock.
To anyone reading this article: don’t be complacent, believing that it can’t happen to you. It can.
We live in a security complex, and it happened to us.
Make your home as safe as possible and, specifically, make your sleeping areas safe.
Lock your bedroom and or passage doors when you go to bed.
Take note of strange noises and don’t keep the same routine.
Be vigilant at all times and lock away all your valuables, and your sentimental items.
To the intruders: you took from me my grandfather’s signet ring, my grandmother’s engagement ring, her wedding band, a string of pearls that I was given for my 21st birthday, and a half crown that had been set into a pendant.
No money in the world can replace this loss.
If my trauma and loss can prevent even one person, reading this article and taking note, from experiencing what I did, my experience may have some kind of positive meaning.
Kempton Park SAPS you rock. CPF you rock
