Gran, 75, hit with spade, stabbed

A BRUTAL assault on an elderly Verulam woman has sparked concern about the employment of domestic help.

The 75-year-old grandmother was hit on the head with a spade, stabbed many times in the head and savagely beaten.

She had been alone at her home in Trenance Park when the assault occurred in what is believed to have been a robbery last Thursday.

Her domestic worker and her gardener boyfriend are suspected of having carried out the attack. They had worked for her for just under a month.

Neighbours called security company Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) when they heard the woman scream for help.

The two were allegedly seen fleeing from the property.

Rusa boss Prem Balram said they found the woman bleeding profusely from the head and the home ransacked.

“At around midday, members were dispatched to the residence after receiving a call from a neighbour requesting assistance.

“The woman was treated at the scene for multiple stab wounds to the head and face. She also had a black eye from the assault. She was stabilised and taken to hospital.

“This old woman could have been killed in this brutal attack. The hired help in this case turned on her and brought reinforcements to gang up on her. They used gross violence and force.

“It is imperative to thoroughly check the references of domestic and maintenance employees in this dangerous age. It is not safe to give free rein in your home to people you don’t know, especially if they have close contact with your family,” said Balram.

“If potential workers cannot furnish references, rather look at other applicants who have traceable references.

“The elderly and children are soft targets for marauders. Take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe,” he said. The victim’s traumatised family did not want to comment.

Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is being investigated by Verulam SAPS.

“Investigations are continuing and the motive for the attack is still unknown.”

Concerned neighbours said there are many elderly residents at home alone during the day, while their children are at work.

“We are not strong and it would be hard for us to fight back, we stand at greater risk of losing our lives. I feel it is a great sin to hurt people that try to help others and especially to attack them in such a brutal way,” said one, who declined to be named.

Said another: “It does not matter how long you know the person, or how long they have worked for you, you always have to be cautious. We have to now even be careful when we let people into our home. They come to our doors asking if they can do washing, cleaning or gardening jobs and say they have children they need to feed. We open our homes to them, only to become victims of such crimes.”

Facebook users have also shared their concerns and views on employing domestic help.

Colleen Thomas: “In Australia to employ someone to clean your house you must have a police clearance. Time to do the same in SA.”

Bongani Alex Nxumalo KamaNdebele: “Where can u get a blessing if u beat an old lady like this? That domestic worker and her boyfriend are already cursed for this. They will suffer for the rest of their lives. I believe elder people are the blessing to us.”

Lisa Madurai: “Utterly disgusted, targeting the elderly who cannot defend themselves… I hope karma catches up with them.”