Durban - A retired Irish rugby star living in Kloof was handed a glass of water and his cancer and pain medication by robbers ransacking his home, after he told them he was not feeling well.
The gang also helped Sam Hutton, 72, take the medication and asked during the robbery early on Wednesday if he was feeling better.
Speaking from his home in Buckingham Road, Hutton described the men as “nice chaps”, although they had robbed him and his wife, Wendy, 65. The couple’s dogs had begun barking at 3am and
instead of pressing the panic button and alerting the security company, Hutton opened the door to see what was causing the commotion.
“There were four men. Three had knives and the other a gun. One of them pushed me inside and I punched him.”
Hutton was pistol-whipped and warned not to retaliate, or he would be hurt.
Wendy, who was asleep in the couple’s bedroom, woke up and walked in on the robbery.
The couple were tied up and left on the floor of their bedroom.
“We tried to resist, but you are defenceless against a gun,” said Hutton, adding that he considered trying to press the panic button, but was warned he would be shot.
The men ransacked the house.
One demanded Hutton’s bracelet, but changed his mind when he told him it was for the relief of his throat cancer.
The robber immediately returned the bracelet and apologised, Hutton added.
“They spoke exceptional English and even got me my medication. They were professional. I was surprised.”
Hutton said that the gang asked the couple if they were fine, took their two cars - a gold Mercedes-Benz and white Corolla, loaded their loot and drove off.
The couple untied themselves and alerted security and the police, who arrived soon afterwards.
Hutton represented Ireland 11 times in the 1960s, when he played as a prop.
He immigrated to South Africa in 1975.
He added that the incidence of crime in Upper Highway was worrying. He had not thought he would be included in the statistics.
Ward councillor Rick Crouch said residents were living in fear.
“The increase in police manpower has helped, but it’s only temporary,” he said.
Earlier this month, provincial police commissioner Mmamonnye Ngobeni sent 68 extra police officers, including members of the tactical response team, the crime intelligence unit and the Hawks to curb crime in the area.
Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge said police were investigating. No arrests had been made. - The Mercury