Disabled man and grandfather robbed during east house invasion
Peter Schuurman (77) and his grandson Francois van Zyl (34), who was born with motor skills difficulties, were alone at the house at the time of the robbery.
A disabled man and his elderly grandfather were robbed at gunpoint in Faerie Glen when three men gained access to their Lochiel Street home last Saturday.
Peter Schuurman (77) and his grandson Francois van Zyl (34), who was born with motor skills difficulties, were alone in the house at the time of the robbery.
Peter suffered a stroke that affected his communication skills in 2016.
Yvonne Schuurman (77) and Francois’s wife, Helen (40) had left the house around 14:00 for grocery shopping.
“Francois was in his bedroom when suddenly a man appeared at the side of his bed,” said Pieter van Blommestein, a close family friend.
At the time his grandfather was in the main bedroom.
He pleaded with the suspects not to hurt his grandfather.
One of the robbers told Francois to lie on his stomach as they wanted to tie his hands but because of his disability he told the man that could not do what he was asked.
“Francois underwent a lot of surgeries and can only move around with the help of a walking frame.
“He asked the robbers to help him to his grandfather’s room and amazingly, they gave him his walking frame,” said Van Blommestein.
“Peter started yelling at the three men. They warned him if he did not keep quiet they would shoot him. They continued to plunder, tearing down and throwing stuff around.”
Electronic equipment, four TVs, a cell phone, a tablet and jewellery were stolen.
“The Schuurmans and the Van Zyls are dear friends of mine. I am truly disheartened they had to experience such an horrific incident,” Van Blommestein said.
Several Pretoria east security companies said that there has been an increase in the number of house break-ins and armed house robberies in the Garsfontein and Pretoria east areas.
Leon Muller, district manager for Fidelity ADT, said that in the past week, there were three incidents on Snowy Walker Street, Drongo Avenue and Gert Potgieter Street.
“Most of these incidents happened in broad daylight,” said Muller.
Muller urged residents to be extra vigilant, especially as the national lockdown measures are relaxed.
“The crimes are mostly opportunistic,” he said.
“Criminals will take advantage if your perimeter fencing is not secure.
“If they can’t get into your house, they take what they can from your yard or from your parked vehicles. Be especially vigilant about vehicles stopping and occupants ringing bells at your neighbour’s yards and then leaving when they get a response.”
Brinant security company spokesperson Erick Becker agreed there has been an increase in opportunistic crime, particularly house robberies and theft of electronic devices (such as cell phones from joggers, walkers, and cyclists) as well as laptops and iPads through open windows or unlocked doors.
“Opportunistic thieves are aware that families will be working remotely from home and that children are continuing with online schooling via electronic devices. As such, these criminals will be on the lookout for easy opportunities to take advantage of vulnerable properties and of people being out and about during 06:00 and 09:00,” said Becker.
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