RESIDENTS URGED TO BE VIGILANT AFTER VIOLENT ATTACKS
Residents in Howick and surrounding areas are being urged to be vigilant following two serious incidents in the past two weeks.
On Sunday, February 18, a 63-year-old farmer from Curry’s Post was shot by armed robbers at his honey farm. He is recovering after being shot in both thighs.
Kwazulu-natal police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, said a group of armed suspects held up the farmer and his wife.
They then ransacked the house and took cell phones, a flat screen TV and other items.
Ballid Security, meanwhile, said in a report, circulated on social media, said that six men disabled the gate motor to gain access the property where they tied up a private security guard.
The attack on the farmer comes just six days after another 63-year-old man was killed at his home in Athlone Road, Howick.
According to the local crime and safety initiative, he was found by his wife at around 6am. His body was lying between his garage and a flat on the premises.
Village Talk understands that two neighbours heard a commotion at around 2.30am after hearing the constant barking of a dog in Ridge Road, but couldn't find the origin.
When local patrollers examined the fence of the premises, they noticed that razor wire on top was pressed down and there were signs on the wooden fence, where a bare footed intruder jumped over it and into the premises, dropping a set of orange pliers.
They also found a blood trail, which they suspected was from the intruder.
It remains unclear what exactly happened at the house, where only some keys were missing.
The SAPS were alerted and the victim’s wife was cared for by staff from St Michael’s Ambulance Service.
At the time of going to press, the police had not responded to
Village Talk’s query about the incident.
The failure of the police to notify residents and community police forum structures in the town has been criticised.
Neville Cusens, a member of Xtra Merrivale and ward six safety committee, said: “I feel it is my duty to warn our residents that if you hear anything outside your house in the garden in the middle of the night or day time that you don’t exit your home.
“Call your security provider or SAPS first and then let your neighbourhood watch know as soon as possible that there may be an intruder in your yard.
“Crime is on the rise, especially with fence jumpers, and you don’t know if they are armed or not. Please check your perimeter fence regularly.”
These two incidents are among a spike in crime across Howick and Merrivale in recent weeks.
In another incident a resident was mugged while walking on the path between Moonwalk and the Pumphouse.
“A short stocky black guy climbed out of the bush, grabbed me and held a knife to my chest, shouting at me that he wants my cell phone,” the resident said.
“After a hectic tussle I convinced him I didn’t have one on me. He grabbed my keys, ran to my car and took my handbag. He came running back, chucked my keys at me and ran towards the Pumphouse.”
Last Thursday, a home in Geekie Road, Merrivale, was burgled. It’s believed the intruder climbed over the back wall, and then stole a gas cylinder, jewellery and clothing. and much more.
“I am happy that we have an event that is all about detailed information sharing and engagement. I will also be having engaging conversations to go deeper into the inspiration and drive of people that care so much about our communities. We also have a dog demonstration that will blow your mind.”
Among those set to make presentations at the event are Wakefields, the umngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI), James Martin, Harvard House, Knight Security, Sensei Thobani Minikathi, Hilton Buddies, AET Security and Iron Bru.
Safe Home Show & Tell runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are R 100 from www. quicket.co.za or 064 095 9013.