Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - It has come to light that the assailant used a panga when he attacked an elderly couple strolling in Challenge Drive, Plettenberg Bay yesterday.
In the CCTV footage distributed on social media, the attacker can be seen hitting the couple with something, but it is not clear with what.
But, according to a family friend’s post that was shared on Mossel Bay Advertiser’s FaceBook page, the couple’s injuries “are not as bad as they could have been” following the attack by the panga-wielding assailant.
SAPS have confirmed the incident that happened at 05:10 yesterday morning, Tuesday 14 January.
The vicious attack was caught on CCTV camera and has since gone viral on social media pages.
Captain F.C van Wyk, SAPS Western Cape media centre liaison officer, said in a statement today, Tuesday, 15 January, that Plettenberg Bay police are investigating the attack on the woman (70) and her husband (73) by an unidentified male who wanted to rob them.
Van Wyk said according to reports the couple were walking in Challenge Drive when an unidentified male attacked them trying to grab the woman’s handbag.
“In the process her arm was broken. The couple fought back and the perpetrator fled the scene. The injured victims were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment in a private vehicle.”
R10 000 reward
Van Wyk appeals to anyone with information about the attack to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
A R10 000 reward is being offered for information that will lead to an arrest and conviction, said Otto Olivier, operations manager of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA).
The public are asked to study the accompanying poor quality image of the attacker – a screenshot taken from the CCTV footage – to see if they recognise his clothes or anything that can identify the man.
At the time of the attack he was wearing narrow faded jeans cut off just above the knees and a beige hoody pulled over a white peak cap.
Surgery and stitches
According to the Facebook post the couple “are the parents of a friend from my church”.
“I just spoke to him now. Remarkably, the injuries are not as bad as they could have been. The dad had seven stitches in his head, but the panga luckily didn't go through the skull.
“His mom's in surgery right now to fix her broken arm from being flung to the ground, and a couple of stitches for two stab wounds to the same arm,” posted the friend.
“It could have been worse if the knife had gone into the body. Praise God they are alive. Please keep them in your prayers,” the post read.
Olivier said the couple fought back fiercely and the perpetrator fled the scene.
Remain vigilant
Olivier said within minutes people came to the couple’s aid and rushed them to Medi Clinic.
“Various responders flooded the area, and a meticulous search was conducted of the area and escape routes,” said Olivier.
He said Plett’s new Station Commander, Col May, visited the victims and the scene and made all possible police resources available to bring the culprit to justice.
“The victims are traumatised, they are receiving the care they need. We wish them a speedy recovery,” said Olivier.
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