Rachel Wilkin urged elderly residents to try to take note of key details which could assist in finding the suspects.
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ELDERLY residents in Chatsworth and Verulam are increasingly becoming victims of violent crimes, sparking outrage and calls for enhanced community safety measures.
This comes after a Verulam pensioner was brutally assaulted during a house robbery, and an elderly couple were held at gunpoint by an intruder in their Chatsworth home.
The man allegedly shot the intruder who threatened to shoot his wife.
The 68-year-old Verulam woman sustained serious injuries on Monday morning at her home in Dawncrest.
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Security, said a distress activation had been received from the residence, and when security officers got to the home, it was established that an armed suspect had stormed into the home.
He said the suspect assaulted the elderly victim and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of valuables.
Last week, an 80-year-old Chatsworth man was hailed a hero after he allegedly shot an intruder who threatened to shoot his 79-year-old wife after two men broke down their kitchen door in the early hours of the morning.
The couple have been pioneer residents of Havenside for over 50 years.
Rocky Naidoo, a community leader in Havenside, said the man was awakened at 3.10am when he heard his boarders, who rent two rooms on the property, screaming as the suspects attempted to break down the door.
“When the man’s wife went to the back of the house to check, the intruders threatened to shoot. The man got to his safe and took his firearm to defend himself and his wife," said Naidoo.
He said gunshots were exchanged.
"A bullet struck one intruder, but he escaped. Police arrested a second suspect. He will appear in court this week,” Naidoo added.
He said the kitchen door was damaged, and the suspects overturned the fridge.
“The elderly man and his wife are cancer survivors. The man is a hero. We salute his bravery. Through his actions, a suspect was caught. We believe these are the same suspects who had been terrorising the Havenside community. The modus operandi is the same. They usually strike in the early hours."
The police had not commented at the time of publication.
Warning issued for elderly residents
Brandon Pillay, chairperson of the Bayview Community Police Forum (CPF), said while they applauded the brave Havenside resident’s swift action, which led to the arrest of a suspect, they urged elderly residents to be cautious when approaching suspects.
He said homeowners should consider their safety before reacting in these situations.
"We will continue to work with the police to eliminate crime in our community, and to protect the elderly,” Pillay said.
Rachel Wilkin, spokesperson for the Verulam CPF, said they were concerned that criminals were targeting elderly residents.
“When elderly residents live alone, their safety becomes a shared responsibility among families, neighbours and the broader community, who all have a role to play.
“Regular wellness checks, maintaining contact, and simply being observant of their surroundings, can significantly reduce risk.
“In the event of a crime, personal safety must always come first. Residents are urged to remain as calm as possible, avoid confrontation, and not resist where there is a threat of violence. While it is understandably difficult in such moments, any information observed can be critical in assisting the police,” she said.
Wilkin urged elderly residents to try to take note of key details which could assist in finding the suspects.
“If it is safe to do so, try to take note of key identifying details of the perpetrators, including the number of suspects, gender, approximate age, height, build, clothing, and any distinguishing features such as scars, tattoos, hairstyles, facial hair, or anything unusual about their appearance.
“Accents, language spoken, or names used among suspects can also be important. Where applicable, note vehicle details such as make, model, colour, registration numbers (even partial), and the direction of travel.
“It is equally important to keep a clear record of items taken – such as electronics, jewellery, cash, or other valuables – along with any unique identifiers, to assist in recovery efforts and to strengthen investigations,” she added.
Wilkin said the CPF also encouraged residents to strengthen home security by keeping access points secured, ensuring panic buttons or emergency contacts were easily accessible, and maintaining communication with trusted neighbours.
While these measures might feel restrictive, Wilkin said they were necessary precautions to protect lives.