Homeowner David Strachan and his tenant, Tamara Lea Smit, were left traumatised after armed criminals stormed their property in Sundowner.

The ordeal unfolded when four suspects, armed with a panga and a firearm, forced their way onto the property. Strachan believes the attackers initially targeted the cottage, confronting him only when he stepped outside. He was dragged back into the house, where the suspects demanded valuables and access to his safe.

“I was inside; I had just finished lunch. I heard noises and went outside. I saw two guys walking from the cottage side. They came for me, dragged me back inside, threw me on the floor, and asked for the safe,” Strachan said.

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He led them to the safe, which they ripped out before stealing a licensed firearm and ammunition. “They also took two watches from my bedside drawer and locked me inside the bedroom,” he added.

Smit was attacked in her cottage bedroom. The suspects took her phone, demanded jewellery, and ordered her to cover her head. “They stole everything from me and left me with nothing. They even took the meat from my freezer. I was spared my life, and that’s what I’m grateful for,” she said.

She described the experience as deeply traumatic. “They came in with bags, opened drawers, and took things out. It freaked me out completely because every time they moved, I could feel their bodies touching mine. I had to keep quiet, remain still, and pray.”

The suspects locked her in the house while one man stood guard. “At that time, it went quiet, and I think they went to David’s side. I was kept hostage in my room. After a few minutes, they came back, demanded the gate keys, and left. I ran out crying for help and went to check on David, who was locked inside his room.”

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The criminals fled with laptops, jewellery, clothing, and other personal belongings. Although neither victim sustained serious physical injuries, both were left deeply shaken. Smit said the incident reopened old wounds, as she had been a victim of crime before.

A case was opened at Honeydew Police Station. Smit urged other victims to seek free trauma counselling through the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.

Constable Dakalo Phemula, Johannesburg district communication coordinator for the SAPS, confirmed that no arrests have been made.

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