Police are investigating two seperate incidents of house break-in's and robbery of elderly people in the Nortthern Suburbs
Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E / DFA / File
A 94-year-old woman and an elderly couple are among the latest victims of house robberies in Cape Town's northern suburbs, as growing fears of an organised criminal syndicate have prompted residents to take additional security measures.
Reports of similar incidents across Durbanville, Goodwood, Vredekloof, Brackenfell, Bellville and Kuils River have raised concerns about criminals allegedly targeting vulnerable residents in their homes.
In Haasendal, residents have reportedly resorted to pooling money to hire private security patrols amid fears for their safety.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, when a 94-year-old woman was attacked at a property in Franshoek Road, Kenridge, between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
Police investigate two northern suburbs house robberies
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that Durbanville police registered a robbery with aggravating circumstances case.
"According to reports a 94-year-old woman was attacked by an unidentified suspect who tied her up in her backyard. He took a laptop and two cellular telephones and fled the scene in an unknown direction," Van Wyk said.
No arrests have been made and investigations continue.
The attack followed another house robbery in Maritz Street, Aurora, at approximately 3.15am on Friday, October 30.
SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said four unidentified suspects forced open a wooden panel before tying up an adult man and woman.
The suspects stole iPhones, jewellery and a wallet before fleeing. No injuries were reported.
94-year-old woman attacked in Kenridge
Ward councillor Emre Uygun identified the victims as an elderly couple and alleged that the suspects wore balaclavas and gloves and were armed with a crowbar.
He said the suspects reportedly spent approximately 30 minutes inside the property.
Expressing concern about the incidents, Uygun said criminals appeared to be deliberately targeting vulnerable households.
"They are going for soft, easy targets," Uygun said.
He confirmed that he had contacted senior SAPS officials requesting counselling and support for the elderly couple following their traumatic experience.
"I specifically requested that they arrange counselling and support for the victims, given the traumatic experience they have endured."
Uygun claimed a specialised police task team was attempting to trace a suspected syndicate operating across the northern suburbs.
Residents report similar incidents
However, he questioned the progress made by Crime Intelligence, saying similar robberies had been reported across Bellville, Brackenfell, Kuils River, Parow and Durbanville.
"Given the number of incidents, one would have expected more progress in identifying and apprehending these suspects by now."
Uygun also shared several messages received from residents describing similar incidents.
In one account, a parent alleged that four men entered their home during the early hours of October 23, waking the parent and two children while they were asleep.
The suspects allegedly stole phones, laptops, a tablet, identity documents, passports, clothing, bank cards and electrical appliances.
The resident further claimed that their entire salary was spent purchasing Betway vouchers following the robbery.
Another resident reported a similar incident in Goodwood.
"They were in Goodwood a couple of days ago. In broad daylight they forced a security gate open with the people in the house," the message read.
Another claimed their parents' Goodwood home had been targeted by suspects carrying a crowbar.
"Broke in my parents home too in Goodwood, entered with a crowbar and stole similar items to what has been posted here. Detective never ever came out to get the finger prints," the resident alleged.
Other messages described a robbery in Vredekloof and similar incidents across Brackenfell, Kuils River and Bellville.
Haasendal residents contribute towards private security
Meanwhile, a Haasendal resident told the Cape Argus that concerns had become so serious that community members decided to contribute money towards hiring private security to patrol their neighbourhood.
In nearby Kuils River, Boegoe Crescent resident Hayley Hector previously described how three unidentified men allegedly attempted to break into her home on October 23.
"My home is supposed to be my safe place and at the moment it doesn't feel like that," Hector said.
Uygun said he would approach the City's Safety and Security Directorate to establish whether specialised investigators could assist SAPS in tracking down the suspects.
Police appealed to anyone with information about the Durbanville robberies to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS application anonymously.