Elderly couple Geoff (75) and Sheila (72) le Clous are grateful to be alive and are counting their blessings. This was after the couple’s home was invaded by two men and Geoff beaten with a hammer. The couple who live at Isaac’s Well on the R103 were confronted by the men, armed with a sharp knife, at about 7pm on Wednesday.
The men, aged 18 and 35, gained entry to the domestic worker’s house where she was in the shower. They kicked the woman until her femur was broken before ordering her to go to the couple’s home and ask them to open the door. One of the suspects hid behind the woman with a knife at her back.
“When Geoff opened the door, she told him that she had broken her leg and needed help. As he opened the lock, another man came from behind, placed his hands on Geoff’s chest and pushed him down,” explained Mrs le Clous.
A vicious beating with a hammer followed.
“While my husband was lying on the floor, the man had his foot on his throat and was beating him with a hammer on his head. I was told: ‘Sit! Or we will rape you’. I could only just sit there and watch. I told them that Geoff is sick and has had a hernia operation but this made the man jab his heel into Geoff’s stomach and kick him in his ribs,” explained Mrs le Clous.
The suspects then ordered Mrs le Clous into the bedroom where she and the domestic worker were tied up while they stole a television set and a computer. A short while later, Mrs le Clous heard their car, a white Renault Clio, start and the suspects fled.
Mr le Clous untied the two women and they called for help.
“Within ten minutes the police were at the scene and even before they arrived they put out a description of the vehicle. They were fantastic and I must compliment them on their efficiency,” commented Mr le Clous.
After stealing the couple’s car, the suspects stopped at a restaurant in Estcourt where they were spotted eating pizza in their car by two vigilant police officers.
The two men were promptly arrested and the vehicle recovered. Both men appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where they pleaded guilty. They are remanded in custody until the sentencing. Mr and Mrs le Clous would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted.
“We appreciate everything that everyone did. We have lots to be thankful for. Special thanks to Barney and Mary and Roy and Laura for their assistance on the night,” concluded Mrs le Clous.
