Robbers shoot pensioners for their vehicle
When the keys were not found the assailants shot the couple and assaulted a grandchild with the butt of the firearm.
An elderly couple in Hlokozi, Nyavini were shot in the legs and their vehicle set alight during a robbery recently.
Port Shepstone police spokesperson, Captain Adam Francis, said Saps Msinsinsi is investigating a case of attempted murder after a 75-year-old man and his wife sustained gunshot wounds in the left and right legs respectively.
He said it is alleged that on Wednesday just over a week ago, two unknown men entered their home and demanded the keys to the vehicle parked next to the house.
“When the keys were not found the assailants shot the couple and assaulted a grandchild with the butt of the firearm. The men then set the vehicle alight before fleeing. The house caught alight as a result. The victims were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police are also investigating malicious damage to property and arson charges as well. The public is requested to contact Saps Hibberdene on 039 699 9807or Crimestop on 0860 10111 with information that will be treated as confidential,” said Francis.
One of the pensioners, Qedani Khambule (74), said they also lost most of their belongings since their home caught fire from the vehicle that was set alight.
She said they are still living in fear since they have to try and protect themselves and their two grandchildren.
“For now we are looking for any Good Samaritan who can donate whatever they can to us since we lost food, clothes, blankets, basically everything in the fire,” she said.
Also, Ward 6 resident in Nyavini, Nokulunga Khumalo, said the area has been plagued with crimes such as cattle theft, shootings, and car theft.
“There are a number of crimes happening here, as a result there was a march recently organised by community members to express their frustration regarding the ongoing crime in the area,” said Khumalo.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has condemned the act of violence on the pensioners.
“We strongly urge law enforcement agencies to initiate a comprehensive investigation into this incident. It is vital that every possible effort is made to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act. We have full confidence that the law enforcement agencies will exhaust all available resources to swiftly resolve this case and ensure that justice is served. We stand in solidarity with the victims and assure them that we will spare no effort in providing the necessary support and assistance during this challenging time. To that end, a team of social workers has been dispatched to visit the affected family, offering psycho-social support, trauma debriefing, and trauma containment,” said Khoza.
If anyone is able to assist, contact Nokulunga Khumalo on 082 7862633.
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