A retired Grade R teacher in Crossmoor, KwaZulu-Natal, believes it is only through the divine grace of the mystic saint, Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, that she is still alive.
The teacher was held at gunpoint, dragged upstairs and tied up with buff tape and cable ties by two armed robbers, who ransacked her home, on Friday morning, Rising Sun Chatsworth reports.
The traumatised 60-year-old woman, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, has urged local residents to be more vigilant during peak hours and take all the necessary precautions while at home.
READ MORE: Teacher attack ‘an isolated incident’
The elderly resident, who did not want to be named in fear of reprisal, said that she has been deeply affected by the horrific incident.
“I retired at the end of last year, and I am at home during the day. I am always aware of my surroundings and of who is on the road. My family and I have been proactive in the fight against crime. We know that there has been an increase in crime in our community and therefore, we are also part of neighbourhood groups,” she explained.
It is believed that valuables such as jewellery, cellphones and cash were taken.
Chairman of the Crossmoor CPF, Zain Kassim, who responded to the incident said: “The criminals saw an opportunity because the back door was opened. This particular incident was concerning as it occurred during peak hour, while school children were walking about.”
He added: “I believe that these criminals are professionals because they asked the victim for her cellphone password and other credentials in order to stop officials from tracking their whereabouts. If a resident has their phone stolen and they are on a Whatsapp crime group chat, it is essential to alert the admin of the group immediately.”
Cluster communications officer of the eThekwini Inner South cluster Cpt Cheryl Pillay confirmed the incident. “The elderly victim was accosted at her home in Golden Poppy Street. Chatsworth SAPS is investigating a case of a house robbery,” she said.
Anyone who can assist police with their investigation is urged to contact Chatsworth SAPS on 031 451-4310. Alternatively, contact Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
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