Horrific robbery leaves 74-year-old KZN woman fighting for her life

A 74-year-old woman was viciously assaulted and left for dead on Monday in Foresthaven, Phoenix in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to KZN VIP Protection Services, residents responded to the scene, alerting authorities to the grave situation unfolding in their neighbourhood.

"Upon arrival, officers discovered that an African male suspect had entered the victim’s yard while she was attending to household chores. The suspect reportedly tied the elderly woman and confined her to the bathroom before ransacking the home," the security company said in a statement. 

In an extraordinary act of bravery, the elderly woman managed to break free from her restraints and attempted to escape her assailant. However, the suspect caught up with her just outside the confines of her home, launching a brutal attack as she cried out for help.

Witnesses reported that it was only a matter of moments before the suspect fled down Foresthaven Drive. Concerned residents rushed to the victim’s aid.

The protection unit added that the elderly woman sustained serious injuries and was stabilised before she was rushed to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.

KZN VIP Protection Services have urged the public to assist in their investigation. "We implore anyone with information that could help identify and apprehend the suspect to come forward."

In February, two suspects were arrested following the discovery of a 78-year-old man's body near his abandoned vehicle in Kuruman, Northern Cape.

Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the elderly man was last seen on the morning of Monday, February 11, when he left his home.

The search began after his daughter noticed his locked bakkie abandoned on the Seoding road in Kuruman and reported him missing the following day.

"The body of the deceased was found in nearby bushes," said Ehlers.

Authorities wasted no time in tracking down the perpetrators. Their rapid response led to the immediate arrest of two suspects.

Northern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the officers for their prompt reaction that led to the arrest of the perpetrators.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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