Farm couple traumatised by brazen robbery

A COUPLE and their visiting relative were left traumatised when five suspects barged into an Alicedale, Eastern Cape, farmhouse.

The 48-year-old woman’s husband, 49, was tied up with a dog leash before she was ordered to open their safe. The incident took place at around 7pm.

Goods to the value of R111 000 were stolen – four firearms, two shotguns, a 9mm pistol, a .38 revolver, jewellery and an iPhone. An undisclosed amount of cash in dollars was also stolen.

Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said the couple’s visitor from America had stepped out on a phone call while they were having dinner.

It is understood that he ran from the house and was later found unharmed at a nearby game reserve, but full of scratches from racing through the bush.

“It is alleged that the suspects entered the farmhouse where the family of three – aged 37, 48 and 49 – were having dinner,” Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said in a statement yesterday.

“The suspects bound one of the victim’s hands with a leash and took the other to go open the safe. Four firearms, two shotguns, one 9mm pistol and one .38 revolver as well as undisclosed amount of cash in dollars were stolen.

“The suspects then fled on foot. “One of the victims, who was visiting the family at the time, managed to run away.

“The quick arrest of the suspects involved in the robbery is of utmost importance. The Task Team is already following up strong leads and they will work around the clock to ensure that these suspects are brought to book before they continue terrorising other community members.”