Mum and kids held up by armed men

FIVE armed suspects burst into a home in Effingham Heights and held a mother, two children and the domestic worker at gunpoint as they ransacked the home.

The armed men, said W/O Leon Audh, spokesman for the Greenwood Park police station, forced their way into the front door of the Duffy Crescent home at around 10am yesterday.

“The suspects had cut the padlock on the front door gate and forced it open while she was inside her home. One of the suspects then forcefully kicked the door open. Five armed men, whose faces were covered, entered the home and demanded jewellery,” he said.

One of the suspects forced the two children as well as the domestic worker into one of the rooms and held them there at gunpoint.

The remaining suspects dragged the homeowner into the other rooms as they ransacked them. The men later fled the scene in a VW Caddy with electronic equipment and jewellery valued at R116 000.

According to Audh VW, Polos and a silver or grey VW Caddy has been used in various house and business robberies in the Greenwood Park and surrounding areas.

“We urge the community to be cautious when they notice a vehicle of this description and under no circumstance should anyone approach the vehicle or occupants as the suspects are presumed armed and dangerous,” he said.

Last week, the Northglen News reported an increase in vehicle thefts involving VW Polos, Toyota Hilux and Fortuners.

Lt Raymond Deokaran of the Durban North SAPS said they suspect a syndicate was operating in the area.