Three people posing as potential home buyers overpowered and robbed an elderly couple in Evander on Monday, 22 January.
It was raining heavily that afternoon when a silver double cab pulled into the driveway of Mr Fred (77) and Ms Joey (70) Biddlecombe’s driveway in Adelaide Street.
“The rain blurred my vision and I thought it was my son-in-law, because he drives a similar vehicle,” said Ms Biddlecombe.
Two women in their late thirties and a man who is estimated about 40 years’ old, alighted from the vehicle. They apparently saw the “For Sale” sign on the pavement in front of the Biddlecombe residence.
The pensioners’ house is in the market.
“The man and women were very friendly and charming and gained our trust. We invited them in and talked for a while. When the rain stopped, one of the women wanted a tour of our large garden.”
While Ms Biddlecombe was outside, the second woman asked Mr Biddlecombe for water and followed him into the kitchen. He poured tap water into a glass, but as he turned to give it to her, the barrel of a revolver was shoved into his face.
The man told him to be quiet and to lie down or he would be killed.
The two culprits inside the house used duct tape to tie up Mr Biddlecombe. They waited for their accomplice and Ms Biddlecombe to enter the house.
“In the kitchen door the gunman held up the revolver and told me to be quiet. I was just so shocked. My first reaction was to push away the gun and I asked what nonsense this was. The man slapped me through the mouth when I called for Fred,” Ms Biddlecombe said.
She was manhandled, slapped and forced to lie on the floor where they tied up her arms and legs. The man then placed a pillow under her head.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/105222/watch-evander-house-burglary-caught-cctv/
The robbers forced the couple to open their safes and ransacked Ms Biddlcombe’s handbag. They stole jewelry, a gun, a collection of rare coins and a stamp collection.
“They even stole the bottle of coffee off the kitchen counter,” said Ms Biddlecombe.
She managed to free herself and cut loose her husband.
They then alerted the police.
According to Sgt Sibusiso Mbuli, spokesman for the Evander Police, this was one of four armed robberies at houses in Evander in January.
“All of the robberies happened during the day with a man and two women gaining access to the houses with a rouse of fixing something or pretending to be interested in a property. Once they are in the house, they overpower and tie up the occupants and steal valuables such as televisions, cash, jewelry and firearms.”
Sgt Mbuli said in one incident a victim began taking photos of the robbers and was then met with violence.
“Please do not try to take on these criminals. Call the police first instead of friends.”
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