Ruma recovers after farm attack

Ruma the Rottweiler female, which was shot by a gang of four criminals who attacked a couple on their farm near town on April 9, has recovered from her injuries. The dog was shot just prior to the robbers entering the residence of Mr Neels Malan and his wife, Nellie.

According to Dr Jana Ehlers of White River Animal Clinic, the bullet entered one of the front legs just below the knee joint.

“Ruma was lucky as it did not hit bone but did damage a main vein. When the Paramedical Response Unit arrived at the scene, Madelein van Staden attended to the dog while her husband, Marius, aided the Malans. “Madelein strapped the dog’s leg to prevent further bleeding and administered calming drugs. The Rottweiler was then raced to White River Vet by neighbouring farmer, Linda Bartholomew.

“A transfusion was necessary as Ruma had lost an enormous amount of blood,” said Ehlers. “The wound was cleaned and the dog was placed on a drip. She was returned to her owers on April 11.”

During the robbery various items, including cell phones and laptops, were stolen. Malans’ gardener alerted members of the Sabie Valley Neighbourhood Security (SVNS) who responded immediately.

Spes-Plan Security joined SVNS in pursuit of the criminals and one suspect was eventually arrested. The SAPS apparently only arrived at the scene an hour and a half after the incident. Several members of the community had once again stated their lack of faith in the Hazyview police in addressing the on-going crime problem in the area. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told Hazyview Herald that the community lived in constant fear of being attacked.

“We have to lock ourselves in our homes from 17:00 for safety reasons. We also have to be prepared for an attack at any time. Our husbands and sons risk their lives doing patrols at night trying to protect the community. Where are the SAPS?”

Another resident commented, “To this day no arrests have been made by the SAPS in the murder case of Cornelissen! The police are not doing anything about the criminals in Hazyview.” Mr Boetie Cornelissen was murdered during an armed robbery at Ant and Elephant on February 14.

“The DA is saddened by the unnecessary attack on the Malans,” said Mr Ken Robertson, DA councillor for Hazyview. “The need for rural safety units to fill the vacuum left by the commandos and police reservists has now reached critical proportions. I call on the police to provide relief to this crime-ridden area. Hazyview locals need more support in their fight against ruthless criminals.”

Sgt Gerald Sedibe, spokesman for the police, confirmed the incident. “The SAPS are often only notified long after the crime has taken place which then results in our arriving late.”

“I urge the community to inform law enforcement immediately once such an incident has occurred.”