A 63-year-old man was brutally attacked at his home in Albemarle, early on Thursday morning.
Athol Nuttley went to take out his dustbin when he was accosted and assaulted by a number of assailants.
According to Athol, they attacked him from behind and stuffed something in his mouth to prevent him from screaming.
They then proceeded to strangle him and immobilised him so that he could not move or defend himself.
“They pushed me to the floor and as I fell forward I knew there was more than one attacker as I saw another pair of shoes.
“What happened after that I can’t remember.
“I don’t know whether they had weapons or not,” he said.
The criminals stole a set of house keys and two sets of car keys, before the house alarm went off, forcing them to make a hasty retreat, before they could steal the vehicles.
Athol’s wife woke up after hearing the dogs barking and knew something was wrong, so she pushed the panic button.
Kyle, his youngest son, discovered his father in the front yard after Athol had been assaulted to the point of unconsciousness.
Kyle found his father tied up with the cord from his gown and with socks in his mouth.
Within minutes, SWS Security arrived and assisted the family by calling an ambulance and the Germiston SAPS.
According to Athol, the ambulance arrived in good time.
However, he alleged the SAPS arrived five hours after the incident took place.
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“I am very disappointed but I can’t say that I am surprised.
“My other son, Athol Junior, drove from Magaliesburg and he was here before the police.
“The police did not even know why they were there and asked me what the reason for their visit was,” he said.
Athol went to his home doctor who provided him with the necessary medical attention he needed, as he temporarily lost his voice due to the strangulation.
He also sustained bruises and lesions to various parts of his body.
“We have been targeted in the past – a house robbery and a hijacking – we have been victims of crime.
“You just never know when it will happen again,” he said.
He thanks SWS Security for their quick response and their compassion.
“I am grateful to be alive and that nothing happened to my wife or children,” he said.
A case has been opened at the Germiston Police Station and is being investigated.
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