An elderly resident of Bitou near Plettenberg Bay was the victim of a farm attack when armed suspects overpowered her in her home in Fisanthoek on Saturday night.

Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier says the suspects, wearing balaclavas, tied the woman up before raiding her home.

“She had to endure these criminals’ abuse while they ransacked her property.

They stole her family heirlooms, silverware, cutlery, crockery and electrical kitchenware. They also took jewellery and her precious wedding ring,” Olivier says.

The suspects also took two TVs, laptops, cellphones, all her shoes except those she was wearing, her purse with her ID card, bank cards and various other items before fleeing the scene.

The woman was traumatised but had no serious injuries and gave detailed descriptions of the perpetrators.

Various units responded to the farm attack call-out. These include Harkerville Rural Protection, Rapid Response Tactical, police, SMHART Security, local first responders, the police rural protection coordinator, the Tsitsikamma K9, Bitou law enforcement and police highway patrol.

Olivier says a Plett Rapid Response member spotted the vehicle that picked the suspects up and a chase ensued that only ended deep into the residential area in Concordia, Knysna.

“The suspects jumped out and fled in between the houses and bush area. One suspect was taken into custody and the vehicle was confiscated with the assistance of Knysna Police, Tsitsikamma K9 and Allsound. Investigators are following up various leads.”

Police confirmed the incident. Olivier strongly recommended that residents in rural areas join a farm watch/support response group.

“History has proven we can never let our guard down. Be vigilant, stay alert and be crime wise.”

He says that PBCPA members are doing ongoing farm attack simulations with security and emergency partners to address shortfalls and to maintain or improve those areas they excel in.

“On June 14, another farm attack simulation will be done with police and all role players. It is said, practice empowers people to do better.”

• On the same night, an elderly couple was brutally attacked in their home in Pinnacle Point, Mosselbay.

Margaretha Willemse (79) was found deceased in her bedroom. She was sitting in a chair and had a neck-wound. Her 87-year-old husband Johannes was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds where he is still being treated.

• An elderly couple was assaulted and robbed in their home in Ballots Bay Heights, George on Monday evening and three suspects are still on the loose. Both victims were taken to hospital for medical care.