No case opened for Amanzimtoti home invasion

A Queen’s Terrace resident is still awaiting Amanzimtoti SAPS’ investigation of an attack at his home in November, when he was stabbed in the arm by two thugs. The resident, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, said two men armed with knives and pepper spray entered his house at about midnight through the kitchen door, which was left open by his son.

When he came out of his bedroom, he was confronted by the men, who pepper-sprayed him. “I must have instinctively raised my left arm and the one guy stabbed me just below the elbow,” he said. He started fighting with the first attacker, while the second went into the bedroom and pepper-sprayed his wife before demanding money, cellphones and computers.

After a furious struggle, the first attacker bolted through the kitchen door. The resident locked the door and started fighting with the second attacker. Blinded by the pepper spray and losing a lot of blood, he eventually allowed the thug to also make his escape.

After receiving eight to 10 stitches in his arm, he went to report the incident to the police. “They asked me if anything was missing and when I said no, they said I mustn’t worry about it and they won’t do anything about it if nothing was taken. They wanted to give me an incident report but they wouldn’t open a case, as nothing was taken.”

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The resident was contacted by Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) committee member George Snodey, who insisted he must get the police to investigate. “I returned to the police another two times. The second time they took down my details and promised someone would contact me to investigate but nothing ever happened about it.”

Amanzimtoti SAPS communication officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy said there are procedures in place for complaints. “A lot of complainants will now come forward as a result of the article (in the SUN) last week. Alleged complaints should be brought to the attention of the management for immediate intervention.

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The alleged victim should submit a detailed statement with regards to the home invasion. The following details need to be recorded: Date, time and names of the officers who refused to open a case. Any home invasion is regarded as serious, irrespective whether there was any loss of property. On receipt of such statement, the matter will then be investigated.”