Thieves ransack elderly Umbilo couple’s home

AN elderly Umbilo couple are recovering from a traumatising ordeal after three men entered their property on Thursday morning.  

Brian Jackson, Blue Security Operations Manager said, “The couple’s home was ransacked and robbed by thieves who fled in the couple’s vehicle. The thieves forced open the windows and burglar bars to an enclosed veranda. From pillows left on the floor, it appeared they lay in waiting for the couple to awake, deactivate the alarm, and unlock doors in the morning.”

He said when the 84-year-old homeowner opened his front door at 8am the four suspects grabbed him and shoved him back inside the house, where he was bound with shirt ties the burglars found.

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“His elderly wife was instructed to stay in bed. The suspects then proceeded to ransack the home for jewellery and other valuables. Among the items they took from the pensioners were two television sets and their vehicle, a grey Renault Sandero, with personalised number plates. As soon as the suspects left, the homeowner managed to activate his panic alarm,” said Jackson.

When Blue Security Armed Response Officers arrived, they untied the homeowner.  

Umbilo SAPS spokesperson, Captain Pumzile Makaula, said the criminals observed the couple’s daily routine before striking. 

“There were no injuries sustained during the break-in. It is so sad for an elderly to go through something like this. We are still investigating,” said Captain Makaula. 

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