After suspects targeted his family home Marais Steyn Park resident Gary Teasdale thanked stakeholders for coming to his and his family’s aid.
ALSO READ: ‘Secure your gate motors’ Edenvale Police warn
On the evening of July 2, four suspects entered Teasdale’s property and attempted to rob them of valuables.
Teasdale who was working in the garage at the time said his dog’s barking alerted him that something was wrong.
“I looked out of my garage and I saw four guys running towards me,” said Teasdale.
Police Station’s communication officer Sergeant Jacob Mashile said the suspects approached Teasdale with firearms and ordered him to keep quiet.
Mashile said the suspects tied him up with cables.
After doing so they proceeded to assault him with sticks and firearms. Teasdale was struck multiple times on his head and his forearm as he held it up to protect himself.
Mashile said while the 57-year-old was tied up, he shouted to his girlfriend to lock the house.
“When I shouted to Mandy to lock the door, I thought that might be the last words I speak,” said Teasdale.
“That’s the situation I got to. I thought I am not letting them into the house.”
ALSO READ: Comply during stop and searches – Edenvale Police
Mashile said the suspects started firing their weapons.
“Teasdale managed to get his firearm, that was in the garage and fired two shots at the suspects.
“The suspects fled but one of them fell on the ground outside of the yard and was later certified dead,” said Mashile.
Teasdale said after ensuring that the property was secure, he told Mandy to call the Edenvale SAPS and 24/7 Security.
“The 24/7 guys arrived relatively quickly. That gave me confidence because there’s strength in numbers and I started to feel better.”
Teasdale thanked Grant, Owen and the company’s reaction officers who responded.
He said when SAPS officers arrived some were from Edenvale Police Station while others were from Trio Task Team.
“The officers were professional; their presentation was good and they went about everything with absolute brilliance.”
Teasdale who described the responding officers as calming and caring said in the past he has had negative experiences with police officers.
ALSO READ: ‘Load-shedding is a security risk’ Residents Action Group Bedfordview warns
“This particular group were efficient. They made sure everyone was ok while at the same time still doing their jobs.”
Teasdale thanked Edenvale SAPS head of detectives Colonel Susan Mathebule, Sergeant Molobedzi, Sergeant Maluleke (the investigating officer from Trio Task Team) and Sergeant Mchunu and the sector policing crew.
“When Colonel Mathebule arrived, she looked elegant and professional but each of their mannerisms and presentation were very professional and efficient.”
Teasdale said what impressed him was that Edenvale’s head of detectives was at the scene that night.
Another point which impressed Teasdale was that some responding members left their beds to attend to the scene.
“Everyone who arrived was great. I want God to bless them and their families and keep them safe,” said Teasdale.
“I figured to myself that God was out there with me that night so I’d like Him to look after them too.”
Mashile said Teasdale’s phone and wallet were taken during the incident.
He said cases of attempted residential robbery, an inquest docket and charges of attempted murder and attempted residential robbery were opened at Edenvale Police Station.
Also follow us on:
