Another Rocklands attack sparks calls for better visible policing
qoyon@theherald.co.za
A Rocklands couple are lucky to be alive after they were attacked on their smallholding at the weekend.
The attack on the elderly couple has again brought to the fore the lack of a dedicated station and visible policing in the rural area on the outskirts of Kariega.
Nicolas Hurter and his wife Catharina, both 85, were admitted to Netcare Cuyler Hospital in Kariega after an intruder assaulted them on their smallholding on Saturday evening, leaving Nicolas needing 34 stitches in his head and left arm.
Last year, Rocklands residents delivered a petition to the Kabega police station, calling for the reopening of a dedicated satellite police station.
The residents linked its closure five years ago to a spike in crime in the area.
Nicolas said the confrontation with the assailant happened at about 6.30pm after he heard dogs barking inside their property.
Upon opening his burglar gate to investigate, he said he was hit on the back of his head with what felt like a steel pipe.
“I did not even know what was going on, but he just kept hitting me on the arm until I fell on the ground and lost my glasses,” he said.
“It was after I started shouting for help that he was alerted about my wife, who answered me.
“He then left me to go after her.”
Catharina said the assailant demanded money before manhandling her and dragging her to a flatlet outside the house.
“I kept telling him we were only pensioners and did not have any money in the house,” she said.
“But he just kept on rummaging through drawers.”
Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu said a case of housebreaking had been opened in connection with the attack.
Nicolas said in the last year they had several items stolen at their property including, ladders, grass cutters, a water tank and an electricity cable, all on different occasions.
“There are constantly strange people moving about the vicinity,” he said.
The smallholding on Elands River Road is 22 kilometres from the Kabega station.
Resident Marie Swanepoel, who led the protest march to the station last year, said they lived in constant fear, wondering who was next.
“There is only one person [from a private security company] that patrols at night,” she said.
“For the number of people who live here and the security we have, there is no way we can be protected.
“Since the station closed down we are stuck with high crime and attacks; it’s a daily struggle.
“While we are busy with one scene you hear there is another break-in.”
The petition to the police station in October included a list of other service delivery complaints, from roads to a lack of refuse removal.
Naidu said the Rocklands satellite station was not suitable for use because of its dilapidated state.
“A recommendation was made to the department of public works to upgrade or renovate the building,” she said.
The national public works and infrastructure department failed to comment on the matter at the time of publishing.