Update Video
GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Using pepper spray on hikers while out in nature, seems to be the latest modus operandi used by criminals who prey on unsuspecting victims.
The chairperson of Camphersdrift, Glen Barrie and Heatherlands Neighbourhood Watch (CGHNW), Shawn Northey, urges the public to be extremely vigilant when hiking in the forest.
"The way in which the suspects attacked their victims seems to be a new method of attack and this is not the first recent incident where pepper spray was used," said Northey after an attack of two hikers earlier this week.
Police, neighbourhood watches and members of the local community police forum (CPF) are still on a manhunt for two suspects after two elderly women were assaulted and robbed of all their belongings on Monday afternoon, 13 November at 16:30.
The traumatic incident happened while the victims were walking their dogs in the forest near Plantation Road.
The suspects, armed with sticks and pepper spray, approached the victims on their walk and demanded all their personal belongings while beating them and their dogs with sticks and spraying them with pepper spray. The victims, who sustained serious injuries during the attack, tried to retaliate by using their own pepper spray and the attackers fled on foot towards Blanco.
Images of the victims George Herald was privy to, showed one of the women with blood running from her head and face, and the other with a deep wound to her arm.
Watch a video below:
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, the victims noticed two men following them while they were walking. The men assaulted the women and robbed them of jewellery and other personal belongings. "One of the victims sustained injuries to the head and the other to the arm, believed to be inflicted with a stick," he said.
The investigation officer in this case, WO Francois Kleyn, urges the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants. Anyone with information may contact him at the George Detective Branch on 044 803 4715.
On the mend
Northey says despite their injuries and still being a bit shaken up, the victims are on the mend and are doing okay under the circumstances. "We ask that they are respected at this time and given the time to sort things out. A trauma counsellor has been in contact with them and will assist where needed."
He also reminds the public that when an incident like this occurs, they must not send out unverified information and photos on social media, as this might jeopardise a successful conviction. "Any additional information that is found can be relayed to your neighbourhood watch or police for further investigation," he said.
George Herald requested comment from the victims, but they politely declined.
The entrance gate to the popular Plantation Road hiking trail/cycling route. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
Keeping our forests safe
Keeping our forests safe (Kofs) is a community effort to help eliminate crime in the George forested and mountainous areas. They were established in 2021 after a spate of attacks in the Witfontein forest area. They have done amazing work for the area so far, but to keep the initiative going and to make Wiftontein a safer place for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, the team will need funding.
They rely heavily on the community and business owners for donations to implement all the necessary security features they have in mind.
Anyone who would like to assist Kofs can contact Northey on 082 657 4539.
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