Schagen couple lives through farm attack ordeal
A couple emerged unscathed after being held hostage for three hours in their own home on Thursday.
SCHAGEN – Mr Ralph Tracy and his wife, Jo-Anne Vosloo of the farm Rion, were over-powered at their gate on Thursday at around 16:30.Three armed men pulled them out of their vehicle, then tied them to the back. They were taken to their house and kept in a room, while it was ransacked. Tracy and Vosloo managed to untie themselves after the men had fled and discovered that numerous items, including electronics and two vehicles, had been stolen. Tracy mentioned that they even took milk from the fridge.
According to him, the men all wore balaclavas throughout the robbery. He says one was very aggressive and malicious but the others were a bit more relaxed. The couple was, however, not harmed during the ordeal.
Tracy is full of praise for J&M Security, Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit, Tracker, Phoenix Flying Squad, SAPS and everyone who assisted them after the robbery. “It was incredible the way everyone turned up, investigated and made sure we were fine,” he said. He also wants to thank the neighbours and friends who rallied around them. “It’s indescribable, the support we received on Friday and Saturday.”
On Monday morning, Phoenix Flying Squad had recovered one of the stolen vehicles in a plantation 10 kilometres outside Sabie.
Tips on surviving similar attacks:
• Stay calm and cooperate with the attackers
• Take note of any distinguishing features that could identify them
• Prevention is better than cure and ensure that your house is properly fenced and, where possible, outside beams are installed.
