Manhunt launched following attack on elderly Pretoria man

Police have issued descriptions of two suspects wanted in connection with the shocking assault of an elderly man in the east of Pretoria during a home invasion recently, Pretoria Rekord reports.

Last week Thursday, Peter Treichel (78) was attacked, tortured and robbed at his residence in a secure complex in Menlyn.

“One alleged suspect is a thin man of about 1.75 metres, dark in complexion,” said provincial police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo.

“The other one was of medium built, light in complexion and about 1.8 metres tall.”

According to Masondo, both of them spoke “broken English”.

Brooklyn police are looking for the two men following the incident in which Treichel was reportedly tortured by his attackers.

At around 22:00 on the evening of the attack, Treichel opened the sliding door of his house for some fresh air while watching television.

“A moment later two unknown men entered through the sliding door and assaulted him with a pot plant over the head where he was sitting on the couch.”

Masondo said Treichel screamed for help and tried to fight off his attackers.

They, however, overpowered him and tied him up.

“They threatened him with a knife and demanded the key for the safe. They then ransacked the house and fled with cash, electrical appliances, a cellphone, liquor and other items.”

Treichel received medical treatment on the scene.

Masondo said no arrests have been made yet, but added that “police hope to make a breakthrough soon”.

Anyone who has any information on the crime are kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or the Brooklyn police at 012-366-1735/6. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Elderly Pretoria man tortured with boiling water in two-hour home invasion