Farm attackers hit owl sanctuary in Hartbeespoort

Weapon-wielding farm attackers broke into the chalets of the staff of the Owl Rescue Centre in Bokfontein recently.

Founder of the Owl Rescue Centre Brendan Murray told Kormorant: “The robbers, armed with firearms and knives, first broke into the chalet of one our staff members, Brendan Hasting, and by the time he woke up, the robbers were on him. He fought back and managed to overpower one, hitting him with a broom. This allowed him to get away and he screamed for help.”

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The robbers ran to two more chalets, attacking more staff members. “They threw knives and rocks at them and then fired a number of shots. Two of the staff members were beaten up. The robbers fled with laptops and cell phones.”

Hastings sustained a knife wound to the chest and the other staff members sustained light cuts and bruises.

“Luckily, no one was seriously injured. Neighbouring farmers and the members from the community policing forum were on the scene within minutes of the attack after assistance was asked via the emergency Whatsapp group. We want to thank them for the quick response and willingness to help,” Brendan said.

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