Sophiatown police officers were called to the scene of an attempted robbery and shooting where a 77-year-old man from the Eeufees Oord Old Age Home had to defend himself after he was attacked by an intruder.
Lieutenant Colonel Julia Claassen said the attempted robbery took place at about 1.30am on 15 December. She added that the elderly man was woken up by the sound of a window breaking. “He grabbed his licenced firearm and went to investigate.”
Claassen explained that he fired a warning shot after he found an intruder in his living room. When the suspect tried to attack Claassen, he fired another shot at the suspect. The suspect then jumped through a broken window and ran away. He later collapsed a few houses away and was certified dead by paramedics.
Nothing was stolen from the house. The police station is investigating a case of attempted robbery and an inquest docket has been opened.
Claassen also said in light of the recent shooting incidents around both Newclare and Westbury, the station requests that residents exercise extreme caution.
“We also wish to sensitise the community to be more vigilant and to immediately report suspicious activities and vehicles to the police.”
She said that since the beginning of December the police have investigated four murder cases and eight attempted murder cases. Two suspects have been apprehended thus far and are still in custody. The police confiscated one firearm.
“The police are working tirelessly to follow up possible leads and information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and the confiscation of illegal firearms.”
The station urged the community to come forward with any information concerning these shootings. Residents can call 082 850 7945, 0800 10111 or make an anonymous call to Crime Line at 32211.
