2 attacks on elders in Gauteng: Man in ICU, woman tied up

Police in Gauteng say an elderly man was severely assaulted in a vicious attack in his home in Zandfontein, Gauteng.

According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk, the attack happened during the early hours on Monday.

“The complainant was at home when she heard footsteps in the house and she stood up and found her husband in his room, beaten.”

Van Dyk says the elderly man said he was woken up by two men in his room.

“They shone a torch light in his eyes and beat him with something, took the property and left the house.”

The man was taken to the Kalafong hospital where he is currently fighting for his life in ICU.

Van Dyk says entry was gained through the window on the northern side of the house.

Police are investigating a case of house robbery and assault.

Meanwhile, an elderly woman was attacked in her unit in a retirement village in Centurion, during the early hours of yesterday morning.

Van Dyk says the complainant was watching TV in her lounge and fell asleep.

“She was woken by the two suspects. They spoke English to the complainant. They asked her where she kept the panic button. It was kept in the kitchen.”

He says one of the attackers pointed a gun at the elderly woman before they tied her hands and feet up with pieces of linen.

“The suspects asked for the safe keys. They took jewellery from the safe, opened the grocery cupboard and fridge. Food, a Hisense TV and electrical equipment were taken.”

The elderly woman managed to get help from her neighbours.

“It seems the suspects gained entry through the open window in the lounge. There was no forced entry.”

No arrests have been made yet.