Elderly couple robbed in driveway
An elderly couple was robbed at gunpoint by three men in Murrayfield.
An elderly couple was robbed at gunpoint in their driveway in Murrayfield this week.
Frans (73) and Martha Maria Slabbert (75) had just returned from a nearby pharmacy when they pulled into the driveway of their home in Brookside Road on Wednesday afternoon.
“As we drove in, we saw that our gate wasn’t closing properly. When we looked behind us we saw a red/maroon Toyota Corolla, registration PKS 165 GP had driven up and blocked our gate from closing,” said Martha.
“At first I thought it might be someone we know, but then two armed men jumped out of the car as one sat waiting for them.”
The two men, one armed with a large revolver, jumped out of the car and demanded the Slabberts hand over their possessions.
“One of the men shouted: ‘Give me your wallet or I’ll kill you.’ I had just withdrawn R2 000 at the ATM as well,” said Frans.
The other man went around to Martha and demanded that she hand over her wedding ring.
“As I tried to remove the gold and diamond ring, the thief started pulling the ring off my finger. He pulled at my finger with a lot of force, and hurt my neck and shoulders as he went on,” Martha said.
“Eventually he ripped the ring off my finger, along with a lot of skin. A lot of blood spilled onto the driveway.”
As this happened, she frantically started hooting for her grandson who was still in the house. As he came running out, the two thieves jumped back into the car, and drove off.
“We are shocked, but very thankful that it did not end on a worse note,” said Frans.
Garsfontein police spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller said the police were investigating.
“These types of robberies are becoming more common. Thieves target people, mostly the elderly, as they return from a shopping centre. They see that they have money or jewellery with them, and follow them.”
Miller urged residents to be cautious. “If you see anything suspicious, or see that anyone is following you, drive way. Do not enter your driveway, as this is where they target people.”
He has also called on anyone with information on the thieves to call 10111 and report them.
Also read:
Police searching for 3 armed robbers
Elderly woman robbed at gunpoint in Lynnwood Manor
Security guard nabbed after Hatfield robbery
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