Attack on elderly KZN couple sparks outrage

An elderly couple who were thrown out of their car during a hijacking at a parking lot in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal were lucky to escape with only minor injuries, and are now focusing on forgetting the terrible ordeal.

The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, received medical attention and their car was recovered shortly after the incident on Friday, September 28. Two suspects have since been arrested and one is still at large, reports Highway Mail.

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This incident has sparked fury in the community and a concerned resident, Dave Randall, feels thugs are preying on elderly people who cannot defend themselves.

“There have been so many incidents of attacks. The crime around here is out of control. There is more crime happening than most people realise,” he said.

The areas that are being targeting include The Manors, Glenugie, Tracy Watts, Dashwood Grove and other nearby roads.

One of many bruises from injuries inflicted on the elderly couple. Picture: Sanelisiwe Tsinde

Randall believes the unkempt railway line which links Kloof, Lahee Park and Manors is one of the main reasons residents around that area are becoming soft targets.

“It is so easy for these criminals to go in and out of the area and we never get any response from Freight Rails and Transnet. In the WhatsApp groups, we receive information about three to four incidents of thefts or suspicious activities per day.

The resident said there are many retirement villages around the Pinetown area and old people cannot go out safely and in peace because of the criminals.

As much as the residents are victims, Randall said they should take responsibility for their own safety by not leaving items lying around for criminals to see. “It is so easy for criminals to target your house if they see items lying around the property. At shopping centres, people should start checking if they are being followed or if there are any people loitering around.

“Once you get into your car, you should lock the car and leave immediately.” Randall said he wishes someone could take responsibility as something needs to be done. “Yes, police are doing what they can with the limited resources that they have.”

Pinetown SAPS communications officer W/O Muzi Maphumulo advised people to report crime no matter how small they think it is. “As police we are not aware of the crime outcry in those areas but we do patrol all these areas.”

Maphumulo said police are guided by the crime statistics and if cases are not reported, it becomes a problem. “As police we need to work with the community, so that we know the trends that criminals are using, and implement strategies.”

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