Update

GEORGE NEWS - The police are still searching for two suspects, a man and a woman, following a violent house robbery on a farm along the R404 between Blanco and the George Airport on Friday evening, 5 September.

According to the Southern Cape Police's spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, it is believed that the victim, an 83-year-old man, left his residence at about 18:00. 

When he returned home later, he encountered the two suspects in his bedroom. They assaulted him and tied up his hands, packed up some groceries and personal belongings and fled the scene. It is further believed they also made off with a shotgun.

"The victim was only discovered the following afternoon, Saturday 6 September, when a neighbour noticed him tied up inside the house. He had sustained injuries to his body and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment," says Spies.

The George Detectives are investigating a case of house robbery. The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Siphokazi Nonjiwe, has urged the public to assist the police to track down the suspects. 

"We appeal to anyone who may have information about the whereabouts of the suspects, or who may have noticed suspicious activity in the vicinity of the R404 on Friday evening, to come forward. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality," says Spies.

Contact the George Detectives on 044 803 4715 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The victim's family was contacted for comment, but no response had been received by the time of going to press.

Farm attack vs farm robbery
Although this incident took place on a farm, the police classify it as a farm robbery, not a farm attack.

• Farm attack (plaasaanval): Refers broadly to violent crimes committed against people living or working on farms or smallholdings. These can include robbery, assault, torture, rape or murder. The term has no formal legal definition, but such attacks have been the subject of discussion by media and public figures in South Africa and abroad.

• Farm robbery (huisroof op 'n plaas): Legally treated as a house robbery. Suspects enter a home while the occupants are present, using violence or threats to rob them. The fact that the crime takes place on a farm does not alter its legal classification.

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