Police are investigating a case of rape and business robbery after an elderly couple was attacked at a Haakdoornboom church (in Pretoria) on Wednesday night.

According to reports, the couple was tied up and attacked for several hours.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says the couple was asleep in a house next to the church when they heard a noise at the door.

“When the husband went to the door to investigate, four unknown men stormed into the room. One fired a warning shot into the air.”

Nevhuhulwi says the suspects then started assaulting the couple.

“The suspects repeatedly beat the husband, demanding money. One [of the men] went for the helpless elderly woman and raped her.”

Nevhuhulwi says the value of the stolen property is yet to be determined.

“The suspects helped themselves to the victims’ belongings including, cellphones, laptops, clothes and other household equipment which the value cannot be estimated.

“The suspects also broke into the church, they stole a generator and sound system before fleeing the scene.

“Both victims were taken to a local hospital for medical examination,” adds Nevhuhulwi.

Nevhuhulwi urges anyone with any relevant information that could lead to the arrest of the four suspects, to contact their nearest police station or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.