Update
GEORGE NEWS - The police have arrested two suspects, a 33-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, in connection with a violent house robbery on a farm along the R404 between Blanco and the George Airport on Friday evening, 5 September.
The pair remain in custody and are expected to appear in the George Magistrates’ Court later today, Tuesday 16 September.
According to Southern Cape Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, it is believed the victim, an 83-year-old man, left his residence at around 18:00. When he returned home later, he encountered the two suspects in his bedroom.
They assaulted him, 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.
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.
Previous articles:
- Robbers still on the run after attack on 83-year-old
- Update: Suspects still at large after house robbery and assault of elderly man in farmhouse on the R404
- Man attacked, tied up and robbed in his farmhouse on the R404
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