Waking up and seeing a strange man in your home is a horrifying thought for anyone.
Acting brave during a robbery is even more horrifying, even more when you’re only 11 years old.
During a house robbery in the early hours of Tuesday morning, March 26 a house in Tasbet Park was the target for robbers.
According to the owner of the house, Ms Ntombi Ntuli the robber gained entry to their home through the safety door that was locked.
“I woke up to the alarm going off and when I entered the passage, I saw a man with a gun. I ran back to my room and locked myself inside. I continuously cried for help. My son (11) was in his room and I did hear a gunshot going off, but did not know from where,” Ntuli told the horrific tale.
She added: “I realised that my son hid in his closet after a bullet lightly scraped him on the foot. He is not badly injured, but we are very traumatised. How are we going to sleep? My son was so brave. He did not scream during the whole robbery or when the gun went off.”
She said that a few years ago they were also victims of a robbery and they put reinforced burglar bars to protect them.
“We thought we were safe if that gate was locked.”
No serious injuries were sustained during the robbery, but a case was opened at the Witbank Police Station.
The robber only left with the computer screen and the television.
Responders from SACCW (South African Community Crime Watch) attended the scene and patrolled the area for a while after the incident.
Ms Maureen Scheepers, operations co-ordinator of the SACCW said: “I must give praise to the police. They were there in record time and their response was amazing.”
Another house break-in was reported at the station.
The owner of the house, who was not available for comment by time of going to print, told police that he left his house around 16:00 for work.
His security company phoned him and reported that the alarm has gone off.
The thieves gained entry through a window which they broke in the sitting room.
The complainant said that when he arrived home, his television was moved and damaged but nothing else was stolen.
The case is being investigated by Witbank Police.
Capt Eddie Hall, media spokesperson for Witbank Police said that the house robberies have increased and this might be due to the fact that it has become more difficult to just break in when no one is home.
“We want to warn the public that the robbers won’t hesitate to break in no matter who is home. This is worrying and we want to warn the public to be vigilant and safe at all times. Set your alarms when you go to bed and set your security beams. Always have your neighbourhood watch radio at hand or your cell phone so that help is easily accessible. Call for help immediately to ensure a prompt response. The most important factor is that when you do have a gun against your head, do what they say. Give them what they want and don’t try to be a hero, because your life is worth more than your earthly possessions. No property can replace your life. It has come apparent that robbers won’t hesitate to shoot and what we have seen is that during winter the robberies increase due to the fact that people sleep earlier and ‘deeper’ due to the cold weather. Be vigilant and ensure everything is locked at night. We want the public to be aware of this. In a dangerous situation, stay calm and if you need to defend yourself with a gun in your possession, do so. But do not endanger your own life. We have seen that in many situations; your actions determine their reactions.”
