THE 72-year-old woman who was shot in a Pinetown home invasion on Monday evening died in hospital last night.
One of the three suspects was also shot dead by the home owner with the second man under police guard in hospital.
According to Pinetown Cluster communications officer, Capt Bongumusa Manqele, the 70-year-old homeowner was sitting with his wife watching TV at about 7.45pm when they heard loud screams from an outside building which is rented to a 72-year old woman tenant.
“The homeowner went to inspect and heard the tenant crying for help and saw three men inside the building attacking the woman,” said Manqele.
“A gun battle ensued between the homeowner and the invaders which resulted in one suspect being shot in the shoulder and in the mouth.
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“The man died on scene. The other suspect was shot in the head and was taken to hospital. The victim (tenant) was also shot in the abdomen. A third suspect escaped in a getaway car that was parked outside the yard.
“Two firearms, a Z88 pistol with a filed-off serial number and a CZ pistol belonging to the victim, were recovered at the scene,” said Manqele.
Police are investigating cases of house robbery, murder and inquest.
Andreas Mathios from Blue Security who was one of the first respondents said the injured suspect, who had been shot in the head, attempted to get up and run away but the homeowner’s daughter managed to contain him.
“Her family and neighbours handcuffed him and kept him at the scene until the police arrived.
Mathios said ER24 paramedics treated the injured at the scene and transported the tenant to the hospital.
Rescue Care Paramedics, neighbourhood watch networks, Blue Security, Proforce Security, Fidelity ADT, the Durban Flying Squad, Metro K9 and Pinetown SAPS and other law enforcement teams also responded to the crime. He said trauma counsellors were called to assist the victims.
Heartfelt gratitude
Daughter of the homeowner, Lisa Wenezky, spoke to the Highway Mail and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came to their rescue.
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“We would like to thank everyone who responded especially Wouter Elf from ProForce Security, Col Jackson Moodley and Carol White from Pinetown SAPS.
“Everyone was phenomenal and professional and the response time was incredible,” said Wenezky.
She added that although the family is a bit shaken and traumatised, they are okay.
“The suspects tried stealing cellphones and jewellery but could not get away with the items,” she said.
Tips for homeowners
Mathios advised homeowners not to leave doors and security gates unlocked, especially at night.
“Criminals stake out properties before striking and observe the behaviour of their victims, which gives them an additional advantage as well as the
element of surprise when they are able to simply walk into the house without any security barriers to tackle.
While criminals can and do bash down doors and security gates these important barriers provide an early warning system for you to be able to get to safety,” Mathios said.
Mathios added that installing outdoor beams in the garden and strip beams on windows provides additional security barriers and a vital early warning system, buying time in an emergency, to lock your family in a safe room from where you can call your security company for help by pressing a remote panic button.
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