A man staying in a cottage on the premises of a church in Witpoort was assaulted with a hammer during a robbery at the property on June 20.

According to police information, the victim was asleep when three men entered the cottage at about 00:30.

After shining a flashlight in his face, the victim attempted to get up, but was forced back down.

One of the men was armed with a knife, while the victim also heard what sounded like a firearm being cocked.

The intruders demanded money and a cellphone. The victim told them he had no money and handed over a broken cellphone.

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The victim was then struck in the stomach with a hammer before the men tied his hands and feet.

One of the intruders kept watch over him while the other two entered the church. After the men fled the scene, the victim managed to free himself.

Upon inspecting the property, he discovered that the lock on the palisade fence had been broken.

Undisclosed items with a combined value of around R17 000 were stolen from the church.

A business robbery docket was opened.

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