According to the Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, the suspects stopped outside a complex on Lavin Road in a Hyundai van. One of the suspects allegedly then keyed in the code.
“The gate opened and the car drove inside, stopping in front of the victim’s house. They allegedly came in through the bathroom window and tied up the two domestic workers who were in the house with two toddlers,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
The home owner, who spoke to the NEWS, said while he was outside he heard a noise.
“I looked up and saw a man wearing a balaclava going through the drawers in my bedroom. After realising there were keys in the ignition, I took them and ran off to seek help,” he said.
Sgt Nhlabathi said when the SAPS arrived on the scene, they were told the suspects had jumped over the fence into another property.
He said, “The suspects then hijacked a Mercedes Benz sedan on Allen Road. When they tried to leave the enclosed area, they were met by the SAPS and a shoot-out ensued. One of the officers shot and injured one of the suspects.”
The hijacked car was later found at the intersection of First Avenue and Linksfield Road in Edenvale. An AK47 rifle was also found.
According to Sgt Nhlabathi, after abandoning the sedan, the suspects then hijacked a BMW X5 which was later found at the corner of 8th Street and Louis Botha Avenue in Orange Grove.
The criminals are alleged to have then stolen a BMW 1 Series, which is yet to be found.
Sgt Nhlabathi said the SAPS was closing in on the perpetrators as investigations continue.
“We also urge community members to work with us. Report suspicious behaviour and stay vigilant all the time,” he added.
Meanwhile, a private investigations company posted on the Facebook group, Basically Bedfordview that, “We are also looking for a white Mercedes Benz hatchback [registration number] YML…GP used around the eastern suburbs and last seen in Bedfordview. It is involved in lifting gates and stealing motors. Please contact the SAPS if seen and stay away from the vehicle. Also, if seen, please get a full registration number and we need to do a vehicle check on it.”
