Elderly man in induced coma after attack in Linmeyer

LINMEYER –  “My sister, who lives with my parents, phoned me at 14:00 on the Friday saying she couldn’t get hold of my mom or dad on the phone and immediately alarm bells began ringing. They always answer the phone.

“I live close by, so within minutes I was at their home in Lena Street. When I arrived I saw the front door was slightly open and the house looked like it had been ransacked. I called for my parents, not seeing them straight away.

“I heard a muffled cry coming from the kitchen and found my mom on the floor, covered in blood. I continued to look for my dad, finding him on the floor in their bedroom. His head was bleeding profusely,” he said. “I yelled for my wife to phone the police.”

The seriously injured couple were taken to Netcare Mulbarton Hospital by their son and daughter-in-law, where they were admitted into ICU.

Seemingly they had been attacked at 08:45 that morning and at about 09:20 the suspects fled the house with cash, jewellery and some electrical goods.

SAPS arrived at the scene not long after and began their investigation.

On Monday September 8, the son told the CHRONICLE, “My dad is still in an induced coma, the doctors are going to try and bring him out of it soon. My mom has been moved to a general ward. She had six facial plates inserted into her face and numerous screws but she is stable.

“The family are sickened by what has happened and we are offering a substantial reward for information which will lead to the suspects being convicted. To viciously attack two old people is beyond words.

“My dad will be 81 years old on Wednesday September 10. We just pray he will make it,” the son said.

He concluded, “We thank everyone who has given their love and support during this tragedy. It means so much to us.”

If you have any information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects, please contact sgt Hlatswayo 082 265 6799.