Stick wielding thugs strike in Pinetown

A PINETOWN mother, Pam Wiesner (50) and her domestic worker were attacked by three robbers on Wednesday afternoon, 9 July, as the men attempted to enter her home in Trafalgar Place, Farningham Ridge.

One of the robbers was reportedly wielding a big stick that he used to threaten the victims.

The incident occurred while Wiesner’s domestic worker was outside washing laundry. The attackers pounced the unsuspecting housekeeper and assaulted her, demanding that she give them the keys to the house, which were in her pocket.

At that moment Wiesner, who was inside the home, inadvertently spotted one of the suspects crouching by the window outside the bathroom. She darted for the panic button and activated the alarm.

The robbers eventually managed to snatch the keys from the domestic worker and promptly attempted to enter the home.

“I tried to push back against the door, to keep them from coming in, but they overpowered me and when they finally managed to open the door they grabbed me by my hair and just took what they wanted. They weren’t bothered by the alarm and seemed to know exactly how much time they had,” said Wiesner.

Her 13-year-old son, who was in his room, managed to escape through the back door.

Four cell phones, a play station and a bicycle were taken before the men fled the scene. Investigation revealed that the men entered the property after they broke down a section of the fence.

According to Sharon Jenkins, of Pine-Ridge Neighbourhood Watch, it is believed that the robbers were spotted scouting the area prior to the incident.

“About half an hour before the robbery we received reports from residents that three suspicious men, matching the description of the three robbers, were seen lurking in some nearby bushes,” said Jenkins.

Lt Bongumuso Manqele, communications officer at the Pinetown SAPS, reported that a case of house robbery has been opened at the station. “Police are investigating and no arrests have been made at this stage,” he said.