Durban - An elderly couple were praying on Wednesday morning when six armed men entered their property in Trenance Park, near Verulam.
Security company, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said members arrived at the scene just before 7.30am.
Balram said the couple, aged between 59 and 61, reported that they were conducting their morning prayer in the yard when a white VW Polo with an unknown registration stopped at their gate.
He said six men alighted from the vehicle and derailed the driveway gate.
“The robbers confronted the couple and held them at gunpoint while they ransacked the residence in search of valuables,” said Balram.
Balram said pupils from a local school called out for assistance after they noticed the robbery in progress.
“Their screams alerted neighbours,” he said.
Balram said it was alleged that cash, jewellery, a PlayStation, Samsung TV and a telephone were stolen.
“The robbers loaded the stolen goods into their getaway vehicle and sped off in an unknown direction,” he said.
He said the couple were not injured.
IOL recently reported on several tips from Fidelity ADT for victims in the event of a robbery:
- Stay calm and obey the robbers’ orders.
- Keep your hands visible and don’t reach for anything unless told to do so.
- Don’t try to negotiate with them. Speak when spoken to and do so clearly.
- Give them what they ask for and don’t lie about safes or cash in the home. Likely, the robbers have done their homework.
- Observe the robbers and try to gather information on their appearances, voices, language used, etc. Look at clothing, distinguishing marks, height, and types of weapons, for example.
- Keep them informed so there are no surprises, like a family member arriving for a visit.
- Afterwards, you should press your panic button/phone to alert your armed response service provider and/or phone the police at 10111. Say if you need medical assistance.
- Lock all doors.
- Check on the victims. Keep everyone calm.
- Relate the incident clearly and in detail to the first responders.
- Try not to disturb areas the robbers were in and point out anything they may have left behind.