Pretoria family tied up for hours in armed robbery

A Pretoria family who was having a braai was attacked and tied up for several hours while the dad was severely assaulted on a plot in Kameeldrift West.

The family, the man, his wife, and their daughter were having a braai when, at around 20:30 on Saturday, they were attacked by four armed men.

According to CPF Hercules Sector 4 chairperson Nico van Vuuren, when the family entered the house after their braai to eat their food, the armed robbers attacked them.

It is believed robbers watched the family for some time.

“Hedges were cut on the north side of the property with grass flattened where the intruders lay waiting.”

The family was tied up until approximately 04:20 on Sunday morning when help arrived. The mother and the daughter were kept in a separate area away from the dad.

Van Vuuren said that the restrains of one of the ladies came loose, which angered the intruders.

“He took the gun and pointed at them while fastening their restraints again.

“They hit the man with the handle of their gun, leaving a severe wound on his face.”

He furthermore said armed robbers took two bakkies that belonged to the family.

From about 20:30 until about 04:00, the vehicles were packed with the belongings of the family.

“When the mother could no longer hear footsteps or signs of the intruders, she got herself free. She got into their other car and drove to a nearby neighbour to ask for help.”

Hercules CPF said that one robber detained the family while the other three packed two vehicles with the family’s belongings before escaping.

Items such as a fridge, televisions, a generator, a gas stove, numerous power tools, and welding machines were stolen.

CPF Hercules chairperson Nico van Vuuren confirmed that the SAPS and the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit were investigating the incident.

Ward councillor for Kameeldrift west Yvonne Dzumba said that the incident was shocking, noting that crime in that area was uncontrollable, with multiple such incidents occurring in the last months.

Ward councillor Leon Kruyshaar Wanted reminded residents to remain vigilant.

Kruyshaar said that he had heard of similar cases in recent weeks and said a new trend in house robberies involving residents being caught unawares and tied up while their belongings were stolen.

“Be aware of your surroundings and take care of your security. Always make sure your house is locked and that you are vigilant of your surroundings.”

ALSO READ: Akasia residents warned of house-breaking trend

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram