Secunda couple escapes attack by refuse bag ‘scratcher’
The suspect was arrested in the taxi rank and a case has been opened.
SECUNDA – A husband and wife had a close encounter yesterday morning, 15 May, when they had confronted a man for digging in their trash bags that were in front of their yard for collection in Sunset Park area.
According to the man who wishes to remain anonymous, a fall to the ground is what possibly saved his life when the scratcher came after him with a knife.
The man and his wife had confronted the man for digging in the refuse bags.
He then allegedly pulled out a knife and went for the attack on the man. The man in return tried to fight off the assailant, but fell to the ground.
The trash bag scratcher then proceeded to pick up a rock and threw it at the man. He then fled the scene. Other neighbours have also confronted the man on a several occasions to not dig in the refuse bags.
Vagrants scratching through the trash normally leave bags wide open or ripped which makes it difficult and messy when the municipal refuse removal workers collect the bags.
“We have offered him food in order for him to not dig in the bags, but he refuses. When you address him, he swears at you.”
The man said he had a back operation a year ago. Since then his right foot is not as steady as it used to be and this was possibly that caused him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.
Apart from a sore ankle the man sustained, the couple were lucky to escape with no injuries.
The suspect ran off, but a neighbour chased after him and also called for police assistance. The suspect was arrested in the taxi rank and a case has been opened.
Ridge Times is yet to receive comment from the police regarding this case.
