Robbers burn elderly Oribi couple

File photo

File photo

Published Feb 26, 2015

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Pietermaritzburg - Police have confirmed that the elderly couple found burnt in their Pietermaritzburg home on Thursday were killed by intruders.

Police spokesman, Colonel Jay Naicker, said Malcolm, 71, and Susan Lawson, 70, were attacked early on Thursday.

They were stabbed in their necks before the assailants fled with stolen valuables from their Oribi Village home. It is not clear if the intruders set the couple or the house alight.

“It is understood that some items in the house, including the television set were stolen,” Naicker said.

Neighbours alerted emergency services to the burning house at 2.30am. Paramedics had to wait for firefighters to extinguish the flames to rescue the couple.

Once the fire was extinguished, the couple was found dead.

Police believe the killers may have had keys to the couple’s home and gained entry through a back door. Investigations are continuing and police forensic teams are combing the burned-out shell of the house for clues.

According to a police source, the couple had reported a break-in three weeks ago and there was no sign of forced entry.

MEC for Community, Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, reacted with shock at the news.

“Attacking, robbing and murdering elderly people, who should be the most valued members of our society, are abhorrent deeds and represents the lowest decline in morals in our communities,” he said.

Daily News

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