A Khutsong father is lucky to have escaped with only a gunshot wound in his arm after five armed robbers threatened his family at around 01:00 on
14 August. Jerry Labissane (48), his wife and three children were asleep in their shack in Ext.3 when the unknown suspects gained entry through the roof and startled his wife. He was awoken by his wife’s screaming and saw a suspect firing shots in his direction. His assailants ordered his wife and children to lie down in the sitting room while they ransacked the house. One pointed a gun at one of the children, threatening to shoot if they couldn’t find money. Another held a knife to the woman’s throat. They tied Jerry’s hands and feet with rope and continued to collect electric appliances such as a Plasma TV, two amplifiers, two DVD’s, three cellphones and cash. Jerry is grateful to be alive. “They shot several bullets at my head and I have marks on my face and head where the shrapnel hit me,” he says. When the last shot hit him in the arm, he acted as if he had been killed and the gunman warned his accomplices to get out immediately and they fled on foot. Jerry alerted the neighbours, who had heard the gunshots, and notified the police. Two of the suspects were arrested shortly afterwards, but the other three managed to escape. All the stolen goods were retrieved. Jerry was discharged from hospital after being treated for a gunshot wound. He is full of praise for the policemen who responded so quickly and efficiently. According to Constable Mike Lebepe, two cartridges and a live round were found at the scene. Police are investigating a case of house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The suspects have since appeared in court.
