Police and private investigators are probing a violent attack and robbery of a South African couple at a prominent game reserve.

The victims, two women aged 23 and 24 whose names are being withheld, work abroad and were visiting family when the incident occurred. Brad Nathanson Investigations confirmed that the name of the reserve is currently being withheld for legal reasons, reports The Witness.

According to private investigator Brad Nathanson, the couple was asleep on Tuesday, 6 January, when two men entered their unit at approximately 23:00. One of the women attempted to defend herself with a two-plate stove, leading to a physical struggle with one of the attackers.

Details of the violent confrontation

The second intruder remained in the bedroom, ransacking the couple’s belongings while ordered the other victim to stay quiet. However, she managed to call her mother to raise the alarm. In response, the intruder attacked her with a hammer, striking her repeatedly across her body.

During the assault, the victim witnessed her partner being choked by the second intruder. Both women were ultimately bludgeoned with the hammer; one was choked until she lost consciousness. Believing her to be dead, the suspects demanded money from the remaining woman. It is reported that the couple had paid for fishing licences at the reserve in cash earlier that day.

The suspects fled with the couple’s phones, laptops, clothing, and other personal items, locking the victims inside the unit and taking the keys. The injured women eventually escaped through a window, reached their vehicle, and fled the reserve to seek emergency medical help.

A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Security concerns and the escape to safety

Questions have since been raised regarding security, as there were reportedly no signs of forced entry to the accommodation.

The families have also expressed outrage over the alleged conduct of certain reserve representatives following the attack. According to the report, the couple was allegedly threatened not to divulge the name of the lodge or details of the incident on social media.

“They were warned that if the matter was made public and the reserve named, [crime scene] images would be released to embarrass the families,” the report stated.

The families have now escalated the matter to senior management and relevant authorities, demanding an independent review of the security measures and the staff’s response to the crisis.

Nathanson stated he is confident that arrests will be made swiftly and indicated that a further statement would be released on Monday.

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