A witness, who was at the scene, has come forward disputing claims that an alleged robbery at a café near HTS Middelburg was a hoax.

This comes after the Middelburg Observer received news of a robbery at a café near HTS, which was later said, ‘to be a false alarm’.

The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous fearing for her safety confirmed that indeed there was no robbery but there was an attack, which left them in utter disbelief.

She said she was going to the shop to buy milk on the evening of the attack.

She added that she saw what looked like multiple cars parked close to a liquor store in the area.

As soon as she parked her car, an owner of a store signaled her to not exit her car.

When she turned to her left, she saw men carrying AK47s.

Not very far from the parked cars, the witness said she saw a group of men allegedly attacking another man, who appeared to be with his wife at the time.

The witness said they later learnt the man was being attacked on suspicion of carrying a stolen motor gate.

It was later confirmed the victim had not stolen the motor gate since he had a receipt for the motor.

she added that judging from how loud the screams and how brutal the attack was, it could have been more than just about the motor gate.

Attempts to call the police were made, however, the police could not be reached at the time of the incident.

She said police only arrived to the scene, after the attack.

The witness said they contacted a security company after failing to get hold of the police.

One car came to the scene, however, it is said that upon arrival, the car immediately drove off and left the scene.

According to the witness, she was later told by someone from the security company that they left because they believe the attack was by criminal syndicate.

A shovel was allegedly used to cut some of the fingers of the man who was attacked by the armed group.

She added that loud, disheartening screams could be heard coming from the man who was attacked, and the woman.

It is unclear what the motive behind the alleged attack was.

It is also unclear at this stage if whether the woman was also attacked or not.