Police are hot on the heels of two suspects who robbed and assaulted an elderly couple, Paul Barnard and his friend Ricca Turgel, aged 75 and 81 years in Alicedale at approximately 22:30 on 13 June 2019. According to the information it is alleged that the victims were asleep, with both doors of their house locked. Two males with faces covered and hands in gloves, armed with firearms, gained access to their house and began assaulting the two victims, demanding money while hurling threats and insults at them. The two were seriously injured during the attack.
No shots were fired during this ordeal. The suspects ransacked the house and managed to open the safe where they took an undisclosed amount of money. Both suspects fled the scene and are still at large.
The victims were both taken to Settlers hospital for trauma counselling and medical treatment. Police detectives and other role-players were dispatched to the scene to comb for clues that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
An appeal is hereby made to any member of the public who has any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects behind this attack to contact the Detective Investigation Officer, WO Quinton Arnolds at 042 2311 154 or 083 601 5680.
Anyone who has any information on crime is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga condemned the attack and assault of the elderly couple and called on the police to investigate the attack and leave no stone unturned. “I would like to wish a speedy recovery to the couple, senior citizens and adults who should be enjoying their pension and fruits of their toil instead of being attacked and robbed of their hard earned money. My instruction to the detectives is clear, follow all the leads in your investigation and ensure that anyone behind this callous attack is arrested and have their day in a court of law,” she emphasized.
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