On Tuesday morning November 2, Muldersdrift residents were woken up by numerous gunshots. As armed responses and the police were called, it was determined that the shots were fired on Abraham van Wyk Road.
Deputy chairperson of Muldersdrift CPF, Paul Catlett confirmed that three armed men entered the residence of another member of the CPF. “Mariaan Britz, who is an executive member of the CPF, was attacked at her home where she was with her boyfriend. Fifteen gunshots were fired at them, and were unarmed. One of the residents, Robert Stander, unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on the scene.” Catlett said the perpetrators were still at large.
Catlett shared that the recent attack had been very traumatic, which came on the heels of the home invasion he had fallen victim to. “I was attacked about a month ago. Five armed intruders came in and made off with some of my belongings. As active members of the CPF in Muldersdrift we feel that our lives are in danger. Robert was an active patroller in our organisation and he was part of the CPF body.”
Muldersdrift residents have continuously raised concerns about frequent housebreakings and armed invasions, which sometimes were fatal. The community of Muldersdrift lives under constant attack as heinous crimes are reported regularly, unfortunately many feel that this was in vain. Catlett said they needed the police to be proactive and not reactive. “We don’t feel it is enough to arrive after an incident has occurred. That’s not protecting, that’s serving. We need state resources in the ground.”
