A recent wave of nighttime robberies in Old Coronation, Lekazi has taken a particularly devastating toll on resident Banned Carava.

His traumatic experience in the early hours of Sunday, September 17, not only left him physically assaulted but also stripped him of his cherished sewing machine, which was his lifeline.

Carava, still grappling with the shock of the incident, lamented, “Losing my sewing machine is devastating. It’s how I put food on the table and pay the bills. Now, I’m left with uncertainty about my future.”

The night of terror began with Carava hearing ominous sounds at his front door, where intruders were attempting to force their way in.

Alarmed and fearing for his safety, he cautiously peered through a window, only to see two unknown individuals relentlessly attempting to breach his home, while two more suspects stood menacingly by his gate.

In a desperate bid for help, Carava began screaming, unaware of the horrors that would follow.

The situation took a terrifying turn when the suspects brandished a firearm.

“When I continued to scream, the suspects fired two shots,” Carava recounted, his voice laden with fear.

With his life hanging in the balance, Carava devised an escape plan, attempting to remove a zinc sheet at the back of his house.

Tragically, the suspects detected his efforts, leading to an even more harrowing confrontation.

Once inside his home, the suspects demanded money. Carava revealed that he had only R70 in his wallet, but this did little to deter the criminals.

As they ransacked his home, they also subjected Carava to a brutal assault, leaving him injured.

The ultimate blow came when the robbers callously seized Carava’s sewing machine, the very tool he relied upon to earn his livelihood.

The loss has plunged him into uncertainty about how he will support himself in the future.

Carava’s story is a stark reminder of the rising crime wave that has plagued Old Coronation, Lekazi.

“In the area, there is high crime, especially with criminals coming to knock at night. On the same day, there were three more homes robbed like this,” he emphasised.

“We need immediate action from the authorities to make our neighbourhood safe again. Nobody should have to endure what I went through,” Carava urged.

Do you have a story to share?

Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490

• For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website.
• For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

DID YOU KNOW?

Click on the words highlighted to read more on this and related topics.