A woman in her late 70s was tied-up and robbed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after two suspects broke down her kitchen door and gained entry to the home.
Image: File
AN ELDERLY woman was tied up and robbed in her Umhlatuzana home, prompting local authorities to urge residents to enhance their security measures.
The Umhlatuzana Community Policing Forum (CPF) urged residents to be vigilant at all times and ensure that their homes are well secured, after two elderly residents were robbed during home invasions.
A woman in her late 70s was tied-up and robbed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after two suspects broke down her kitchen door and gained entry to the home.
“We received reports via a WhatsApp group of a home invasion and armed robbery that occurred in 33rd Avenue in Umhlatuzana. Upon arrival, the tactical member spoke to the elderly woman, who said that two unknown men dressed in black clothing gained entry to the property by climbing over the rear fence.
“The suspects then forced entry into the house by bending the kitchen security gate and breaking open the kitchen door,” read a report from PT Alarms and Security.
The report said that once inside, the suspects tied up the victim and proceeded to rob her of an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables, including her cellphone.
The suspects then fled the scene in an unknown direction.
“The victim was treated by a State ambulance service and she was highly traumatised. PT Alarms have stepped up patrols in the area. The victim's family members arrived shortly thereafter,” the report indicated.
Kamalsen Naidoo, PRO of the Umhlatuzana CPF, said that there had been an increase in home invasions and house robberies in the area.
He said a week ago, an elderly resident had gone outside and confronted the suspects.
“It has come to our attention that some residents are going outside their homes to confront these criminals. This is extremely dangerous and must stop immediately.
“We strongly urge all residents to avoid confronting suspects under any circumstances. They must immediately contact their security service provider.
“Residents should ensure that their alarm and home security systems are regularly inspected and maintained by authorised technicians. They must make use of your panic remotes in emergency situations,” added Naidoo.