Bluff man survives brutal attack with shears

A WEEK after almost being bludgeoned to death with shears, Edward Gribben has had sleepless nights as he battles to overcome the trauma of his attack.

Gribben, 71, who lives on The Bluff, was forced to fight for his life after he was awoken to the sound of his vehicle window being shattered during the early morning hours on July 12. He said soon after he exited his home to go check, his attacker hit him across his head, which he would later find out was with the shears.

“It was completely dark, and I don’t know what made me go outside, but as I walked towards the side of my house to where my vehicle was parked, he struck me across the head. I knew at that moment I had to fight and get the weapon out of his hand, or I would be dead.

“At that stage, due to the adrenaline rush, I did not feel the pain as he continued to strike me across the body, I just fought to get the weapon out of his hands. All I could hear him shout was ‘I am going to kill you!’, but I was not ready to die. When the weapon did eventually fall to the ground, I ran to the house and pressed the panic button.

ALSO READ: Woman fights off attacker, left traumatized

“He chased after me and struck me multiple times with a plank and then fled. I later found that he had taken two of my boxes with power tools,” he said.

Gribben, who is a plumber, said within minutes the security company, ambulance and police arrived.

“Everything was a blur. I was taken to hospital and had to get stitches on my head, arms and shoulders. My entire body is still sore and I am still finding cuts and bruises every day. But, the worst part is the paranoia, and waking up in fear,” he said.

Gribben said he was thankful that his attacker was caught, as this was the second time he had entered his property.

“He never wore a mask the first time, and I recognised him by his build and his voice. I never fully recovered from that incident. I know he can never hurt me again. I also never want to have to go through this again. It was my Lord that protected me, as I am not meant to die just yet,” he said.

ALSO READ: Yellowwood Park pensioner couple manhandled by home invaders

Brian Jackson, the south regional director for Blue Security, said the Community Crime Prevention Unit (CCPU) officer responded to a panic alarm at the home.

“He obtained a detailed description of the suspect and demonstrated exceptional vigilance with a thorough search in the vicinity. He spotted an individual on South Coast Road matching the description, carrying two boxes containing power drills.

“The officer approached the individual for further investigation, but upon realising he was pursued, the suspect attempted to evade capture by fleeing towards the bridge on South Coast Road. The officer pursued the suspect and successfully apprehended him.

“The suspect then brandished a knife threatening the officer. The officer issued repeated verbal warnings, to de-escalate the situation. However, the suspect persisted in trying to stab him. The officer had to protect himself and prevent harm to others, and discharged a single shot, which resulted in an injury to the suspect’s right leg,” he said.

Jackson said law enforcement and medical services arrives at the scene, who provide necessary medical attention to the injured suspect. He said the stolen items were recovered.

Captain Louise le Roux, the Brighton Beach police spokesperson, said cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, theft out of motor vehicle and malicious damage to property were being investigated.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.