George farm robbery: 2 arrested after elderly man assaulted and tied up

Police have arrested two suspects, a 33-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, in connection with a violent house robbery on a farm along the R404 between Blanco and George Airport on September 5.

George Herald reports the pair remain in custody and are expected to appear in the George Magistrates’ Court later today.

Victim assaulted and tied up

According to Southern Cape Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, it is believed the victim, an 83-year-old man, left his residence at around 18:00. When he returned home later, he encountered the two suspects in his bedroom.

He was assaulted and his hands tied, allegedly by them. They reportedly packed some groceries and personal belongings, and fled the scene. It is further believed they also took a shotgun.

“The victim was only discovered the following afternoon when a neighbour noticed him tied up inside the house. He had sustained injuries to his body and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment,” says Spies.

Farm attack vs farm robbery

Although this incident took place on a farm, the police classify it as a farm robbery, not a farm attack.

Farm attack (plaasaanval): Refers broadly to violent crimes committed against people living or working on farms or smallholdings. These can include robbery, assault, torture, rape or murder. The term has no formal legal definition but such attacks have been the subject of discussion by media and public figures in South Africa and abroad.

Farm robbery (huisroof op ‘n plaas): Legally treated as a house robbery. Suspects enter a home while the occupants are present, using violence or threats to rob them. The fact that the crime takes place on a farm does not alter its legal classification.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.