Family recovering after trauma of house robbery

The Lamont family of Lakefield, Benoni, is still trying to pick up the pieces after the trauma of a house robbery during which one of the suspects and the family’s beloved five-year-old Yorkshire terrier, Holly, were shot and killed in the early hours of October 3.

During the robbery, their two-year-old Belgian Malinois-cross, Kei, who has since been described as a hero, was shot in the face while trying to protect the family. 

According to Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele, a case of murder and house robbery is being investigated.

She said a group of robbers forced open a door to gain entry. Two of them, armed with firearms, went upstairs where the family was asleep.

“The alarm was activated and the husband went to switch it off, but it went off again.

“He then heard footsteps coming towards their bedroom and saw one of the robbers, who started to fire shots randomly.

“The father then took out his firearm and returned fire, hitting one of the robbers.

“The suspect, believed to be in his early 20s, was declared dead on scene. He was found in possession of the homeowner’s wristwatch.

“His accomplices, including those waiting outside, fled and are still at large.

“The man and his wife were not injured; however, their two dogs suffered gunshot wounds during the shooting and one of them died on scene. “The other dog was taken to a vet for treatment,” she said.

Homeowner Sarah Lamont explained before the incident they had problems with their CCTV and alarm system, as it had been struck by lightning.

When the alarm went off that morning, they thought it was simply due to the system being faulty.

“We believe the intruders jumped the electric fence then entered the house by forcing a door open.

“The one who was upstairs started shooting and that’s when my husband retaliated and shot at him.

“The second intruder entered our eldest daughter’s bedroom. Our dog Kei was also in the room and immediately attacked the robber to protect our daughter.

“He started running away from the Kei but fired shots as he was fleeing.

“The bullets wounded Kei in the mouth and our other little dog, Holly, sustained two bullet wounds and died,” explained Lamont.

The distraught mother said injured Kei bravely chased the intruder out of the yard and the family then went to call for help from neighbours.

Lamont described Holly as loving, gentle and timid, adding that as tiny as she was, she saved her family.

“We are still traumatised about what happened but are taking it one day at a time.

“Our two daughters are attending therapy while Kei, who was at the vet between October 3 and 7, has undergone a costly reconstructive surgery.

“She is now in a stable condition, although she eats and receives her medication through a tube,” Lamont said.

She added that Kei needs to go for another operation due to the extent of her injuries and that the family is busy finalising the establishment of a BackaBuddy account to help with her veterinary bills.

Hero adopted from the SPCA

According to the Boksburg SPCA, the Lamont family adopted Kei from their kennels last year.

“The Boksburg SPCA will present Kei with an award for heroism when she is fit to attend this special ceremony,” SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore said.

“People should realise just how many thousands of heroic dogs like Kei are waiting to be adopted at various SPCAs around the country.

“Buying ‘vicious’ breeds from breeders to protect your property is not the answer and often this ends in tears when a child or a smaller family dog is attacked because of badly mixed blood lines,” she added.

To adopt a pet from Boksburg SPCA contact them on 011 916 5906 or visit them in Railway Street.  

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