Elderly couple tied up and robbed on their farm
The suspects bent a burglar bar of a window in the study to get into the farmhouse
NGODWANA – An elderly husband and wife were assaulted and robbed on their farm in Houtboshoek in the early hours of yesterday morning.
According to Bossies Community Justice’s (BCJ) Albert Gryvenstein, three suspects, one of which was armed, committed the crime.”At 05:30 the suspects bent a burglar bar of a window in the study to get into the farmhouse. They went down the passage and broke a security gate with a crowbar to get to the bedroom.”
When the couple woke up, the three men were in the room.
According to Gryvenstein, the victims were assaulted and sustained moderate injuries. Their hands and feet were tied, leaving them immobilised while the robbers ransacked the home. Various appliances, their cellphones, a television and clothes were stolen and loaded into the couple’s Ford Kuga.
The suspects fled from the scene in the vehicle.
“The couple told us that the suspects were wearing blue overalls and looked like they were in their late teens or early twenties,” said Gryvenstein.
“They drove into the Sappi plantation area near the farm,” he added. Because he was familiar with the guards who usually patrol the area, Gryvenstein called them and asked for their assistance in tracking the suspects.
Shortly afterwards Gryvenstein received a call from one of the plantation security men. He had spotted the suspects abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into the plantation on foot.
BCJ’s Danie Theron accompanied the White River police’s K9 Unit to the vehicle. They followed the spoor left by the suspects.
“We have blocked off the main dirt road. We are keeping an eye out on the N4 for possible sighting of the suspects,” said Gryvenstein. The operation was made difficult by the terrain and mist. At time of going to press they were still searching.
