UPDATE: Montclair gardener stabbed repeatedly in robbery
“A gang of three suspects armed with knives gained entry into the property and broke into an outbuilding," said Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios.
A gardener in Montclair, who was injured trying to ward off would-be robbers, was repeatedly stabbed during the attack. The incident occurred at around 9.40am on Wednesday, 31 July.
READ HERE: JUST IN: Three men assault gardener in Montclair
According to Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios, the man was working alone on a property when he was savagely stabbed by a gang of armed robbers. He managed to flag down an armed response vehicle that was patrolling the neighbourhood at the time.
“A gang of three suspects armed with knives gained entry into the property and broke into an outbuilding. They accosted the gardener who was working alone on the premises at the time and stabbed him repeatedly. Our officers immediately stopped to assist the gardener, who had sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest and lower body,” Mathios said.
Mathios said the quick-thinking officers flagged down a provincial ambulance that was driving through the area. “The provincial paramedics assisted the victim and transported him to hospital for further medical attention. It is unclear at this stage whether the suspects stole anything from the premises,” he said.
Local police were alerted to the scene of the crime and confirmed that a case was opened with Montclair SAPS.
Mathios advised homeowners to regularly brief domestic staff on security procedures and to ensure that they have access to a panic button or a remote panic button, especially when they are working at home alone. “We strongly advise homeowners to take the time to regularly speak to domestic staff about home security and to point out the panic buttons in the house so that they will know exactly what to do in an emergency. Ensure that your staff has emergency and your security firm numbers saved on their cellphones and also keep these numbers readily available in an easy to access place in the home,” he said.
READ ALSO: Share principles of personal safety with domestic staff
“Domestic workers also need to be vigilant when stepping outside as we have had cases where suspects have been lying in wait to ambush domestic workers the moment they go outside. It’s also important to remind domestic workers to keep security gates and doors locked when they are working in the house during the day,” he said.
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