Delmas - Police officers in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for two suspects who assaulted an elderly woman during a house robbery in Delmas this past week, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province said on Sunday.
"This horrific scene unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, 7 October 2020 at an old age home in Delmas," Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said in a statement.
According to the police report, a 94-year-old woman heard a knock on her door and when she took a closer look, she saw two people, a man and a woman, carrying boxes and indicating that they were donating clothes to the less fortunate, he said.
"She then opened the door and innocently made coffee for them; unbeknown to her that they had ulterior motives. The male suspect then abruptly produced a knife, threatened, and assaulted the defenceless old woman to a point that she lost some of her teeth.
"He then aggressively grabbed her while his accomplice ransacked the whole place and took valuable items. After this, the victim was tied to a chair with belts and folding scarves. The suspects then locked the victim inside and fled the scene with the stolen items, including her personal cards."
The woman was rescued by the old age home caretaker after having heard her crying for help. Police were notified about the incident and they opened a case of house robbery.
"The police have strongly condemned this horrendous incident and have vowed to do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book," Mdhluli said.
Police have requested anyone who may have any information that can assist in the investigation of this case to kindly contact Detective Captain John Mothupi on 082-492-6862, or to call the Crime Stop number on 086-00-1011.
Alternatively, a tip-off can be given on the MySAPSApp that can be downloaded to any smartphone. All information provided will be confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
African News Agency (ANA)