Update

PLETTENBERG BAY - A man who had stabbed a Plettenberg Bay woman last week during an early-morning attack in the town’s Main Street, was still on the loose at the time of going to print – minus a finger.

Plettenberg Bay police spokesperson Captain Marlene Pieterse said the incident took place after the woman had just withdrawn money at an ATM at Melville’s Corner, at about 06:00 on Friday, July 28.

“When the victim returned to her car, which was parked in Main Street, she noticed a suspicious man coming towards her. She placed the money in her brassiere. By that time the suspect was very close to her,” Pieterse said.

Pieterse said the man overpowered her and stabbed her several times on the right side of her body with a knife. “She fought back and in the scuffle, the suspect managed to cut off his one finger.”

The suspect then fled the scene.

Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said Plett Security officers heard the woman’s screams for help and rushed to assist her. She also flagged down a passing ADT Security vehicle, and the ADT officer rushed her to a local hospital.

“The ADT officer’s quick action should be commended as the woman was very seriously injured,” Olivier said.

The woman was said to be in a serious but stable condition at the time of going to print.

Olivier said the security officers on the scene chased the suspect on foot, but he managed to escape, despite the added efforts by several PBCPA members who had joined in to search for the injured suspect.

Pieterse said the suspect’s severed finger was later found on the scene and collected for DNA sampling and fingerprints.

“The crime scene was analysed by the local criminal record centre,” Pieterse said.

The suspect reportedly failed to get away with the victim’s money.

“The suspect is still at large and the investigation continues.”

Should anyone have any information the police or the PBCPA can be contacted.

The man was wearing a maroon jacket with black long trousers with a red or maroon stripe down the side. He is believed to have short hair and is of medium build.

Pieterse appealed to anyone with information regarding the incident to call the investigating officer detective Constable Tertius Wolmarans on 044 501 1943.

In the meantime PBCPA chair Bruce Richardson warned that extreme caution should be taken, especially at ATMs.

“ATM’s are well known to attract the attention of criminals and should never be used in isolated circumstances, particularly during the hours of darkness,” Richardson said.

Read a previous article:  Plett assault: Help look for violent attacker

ARTICLE & PHOTO:  YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT

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