THORNHILL – A farm in the Thornhill area was targeted in an attack on Monday night, 26 October, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to launch a manhunt following the robbery.

According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, it is alleged that at approximately 20:00, a farmer (68) was outside locking his garage when he was suddenly surrounded by five unknown men.

“The suspects were dressed in dark clothing and wearing balaclavas,” he said. “Three of the suspects were armed with handguns, while the remaining two carried a knife and a bolt cutter.”

McCarthy added that one of the armed suspects struck the 68-year-old complainant on the forehead with a firearm, demanding to know how many people were inside the dwelling.

“The suspects then forced the complainant into the house through the kitchen door,” he said. “Once inside, the suspects confronted the complainant’s wife, who was watching television.”

Explaining further, he said that both victims were ordered to lie on the floor while the armed suspects continuously demanded money and the location of the safe.

“One suspect allegedly claimed they had been informed by an employee that cash was kept on the property.”

McCarthy added that the victims were forced into a bedroom, where they were tied up with ropes.

“While two suspects guarded the couple, the remaining suspects ransacked the house,” he said. “The suspects eventually locked the victims inside the bedroom before fleeing the scene.”

McCarthy also stated that the female victim managed to untie herself and subsequently freed her husband. “The complainant retrieved his cellular phone from outside and immediately alerted emergency services, where SAPS members and private security personnel responded to the scene.”

It is believed that the suspects fled the scene on foot, “though it is suspected a getaway vehicle may have been waiting outside the farm boundaries.”

He alleged that the suspects stole two televisions, assorted jewellery, three cellular phones and house keys from the property.

“The complainant sustained a cut to his forehead during the ordeal, and no other injuries were reported,” McCarthy said. “SAPS has opened a case of house robbery.”

Police appeal to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit a tip via the MySAPS app.

“All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” McCarthy concluded.

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