A Birdswood family has been left traumatised and reeling from shock after a violent broad daylight home invasion last Friday.
Two armed men reportedly assaulted a woman and ransacked their property at around midday.
The armed suspects entered the property in Teal Terrain and asked for the homeowner by name, demanding a firearm which they believed he owned.
A mother and her daughter (7) were in the house at the time, while the husband was at work.
Despite efforts to assure the perpetrators there was no gun on the premises, they proceeded to attack the woman in front of her young daughter.
A family spokesperson said the victims were recovering, although the woman had been badly hit and trampled on during the incident.
”The criminals threatened to take the young child hostage; the mother was pleading for both their safety.
”They knew the family’s movements and were in the house for about 45 minutes. They ransacked the house looking for the safe, and fled with jewellery, electronics and household goods.
”This street is close to a greenbelt, posing a safety risk.”
Meanwhile, on Wednesday last week, a resident of Gallinule Gait, while taking out his dustbin at around 7.30am, was accosted by three armed men wearing bullet proof vests.
They demanded he remain quiet but he screamed and they fired one shot into the air.
The complainant attempted to open the gate but the perpetrators grabbed him by his jacket.
His wife saw what was happening and pressed the panic button. The suspects fled empty-handed.
Another armed robbery in the suburb was also reported at the beginning of the month, but fortunately the family was not harmed.
Police have warned residents to exercise extreme caution and to keep gates and doors locked at all times.
Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
