A 73-year-old woman was shot multiple times during an attempted robbery at her small holding in Vlakspruit, 20 minutes outside Ballito (inland from Shakaskraal) on Wednesday night.

The elderly woman was at home with her husband (80) a retired farmer, when the alleged robbers tried to gain access into the house at about 11.30pm by smashing the glass window in the lounge.

The woman was alerted by the noise and went to investigate, Umhlali police spokesperson, Captain Vinny Pillay said.

Upon seeing the woman one of the robbers shot at her through the glass door.

The woman suffered multiple wounds to her back and was treated by paramedics who were called to the scene.

“The patient taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, ” said IPSS Medical Rescue’s spokesperson Paul Herbst.

According to Specialist Forensic Pathologist, Dr Steve Naidoo, it appeared that the wounds to the back were inflicted by birdshot rounds.

Dr Naidoo said that if the victim had been hit by a frontal shot the wounds could have been serious with potential ocular injuries and facial damage.

Birdshot is the smallest type of shotgun pellets. It is typically used by hunters who want to shoot birds or other flying wildlife.

The small birdshot pellets are unable to penetrate deeply enough to reach a vital organ unless fired at close range.

One of the neighbours, who did not wish to be named, said the attack was one of several armed incidents on nearby smallholdings over the past few months.

A case of attempted murder and attempted armed robbery has been opened at Umhlali police station.

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