Armed men stormed a property in Mahlabatini – KZN, holding five people, including children, hostage for nearly three hours yesterday (Monday).
Once inside the house, the gunmen threatened the victims, a 35-year-old woman and four children, including a 5-year-old boy, demanding valuables.
The robbers made off with a Samsung A05, a Samsung A13, and an older unidentified Samsung model, an Acer laptop, and a silver 2019 Toyota Hilux SRX 2.4 GD6 with registration number BR 40 NV ZN.
The vehicle had a notable dent near the petrol tank and contained less than a quarter tank of diesel. The suspects also took the vehicle’s logbook.
According to the victims, the suspects remained on the property for approximately three hours, during which they attempted to make the Toyota Hilux operational, which was hampered by a dead battery and flat tyres.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing a white bakkie entering the premises to assist in the repair. During this time, the victims were tied up using ropes, pantyhose, and other bindings. The attackers accessed the woman’s mobile banking app, transferring R2,500 to an unknown account.
After the suspects fled, the victims managed to free themselves and alerted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA). Reaction Officers arrived on the scene and established that the victims were not injured.
An extensive search was conducted, but no arrests were made.
