Durban - Ladysmith police on Monday arrested a third suspect in connection with a farm robbery on the N11 outside Ladysmith on Friday.
Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane said the victim, an 80-year-old woman, was alone on the farm when a group of men, two carrying firearms, invaded her home.
Zwane said the suspects threatened the woman with the guns and fled with a small amount of cash and an air rifle.
The woman was not injured.
“It is alleged that the suspects were in a group of at least four to five. Neighbouring farmers and police mobilised and went in search of them.
“One was found hiding in the surrounding bush and was arrested.
“A small amount of cash allegedly stolen during the robbery was recovered,” said Zwane. He said later that day a second suspect was arrested in the Acaciavale area near Ladysmith.
The suspects, aged 36 and 39, appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were remanded for a bail application on a date yet to be announced.
They are facing a charge of house robbery.
A licensed 9mm gun was recovered from one of the suspects and taken in as evidence.
A police source said a doctor’s brother was one of the arrested. “The young man was positively linked to the crime. The suspects also used a knife to threaten the senior citizen. Fortunately, the victim was not harmed.
“Her neighbours and police were quick to respond after she raised alarm,” said the source.
Daily News