Update: Exclusive interview with elderly victim of armed robbery

The 75-year-old wife of the pensioner (76) who was shot in the stomach during yesterday’s armed robbery, spoke exclusively to the Record earlier today.

When she and her husband arrived home at about noon yesterday, they had just pulled their vehicle into the yard when Elsie Trichardt got out to close the gate. Her husband Loekie was still busy locking the car underneath the lapa when the two suspects, both armed, overpowered her and started kicking her in the face. Her husband heard her screams, drew his firearm and rushed to her aid. He threw himself between her and one of the suspects but was shot in the stomach. He returned fire and killed the robber. His accomplice fled. Mrs Trichardt was taken to Flora Clinic while her husband was hospitalised at Millpark Hospital.

“My daughter will be taking me to the optometrist later today to determine the damage to my eye which was seriously injured during the kicking and beating I took. The good news though is the doctor called me earlier saying Loekie has stabilised after yesterday’s initial operation in which a piece of his colon was removed. His liver and kidneys were also damaged. A second operation will more than likely be performed tomorrow,” said Mrs Trichardt.

“Obviously we have been traumatised and have bitter feelings but so many people are supporting and praying for us,” she said.

“I am so grateful to the Good Lord. The robber that was killed managed to grab my wedding band, which I obviously prized, but they found it still in his hand after he was shot dead.

“We just want to thank the community for all their support and well wishes,” she concluded.

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Also read: Pensioner shot, suspect dead

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