Syndicate linked to violent home invasions
The syndicate has been operating in the Bayview policing area
Image: SAPS
A SYNDICATE is believed to be behind a string of violent house robberies in Havenside in Chatsworth, with the latest victims being elderly siblings.
A 65-year-old man and his 70-year-old sister, of Zintex Street, heard noises at their home on Sunday morning. When the man went to the kitchen, he was confronted by a gunman.
The gunman and two of his accomplices had forced open the security gate, and removed a glass panel from the aluminum door before unlocking it. He then struck the elderly man on the head with the firearm and shot him. The bullet grazed his head. The elderly man remains in the ICU.
A neighbour, who responded to his calls for help, said despite his injuries the man activated the panic alarm.
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"Unfortunately, this did not deter the intruders," said the neighbour.
He said the elderly man contacted him at around 1.30am on Sunday.
"I found him bleeding from the head. There was no response from the security company he had contacted. However, my neighbour also activated his panic button and Mzansi Security responded promptly."
He said the intruders ransacked the home - taking two television sets, a microwave, cellphones, cash, jewellery, and items from the refrigerator.
'The man's sister was threatened with death multiple times if she did not disclose the location of their valuables; with specific remarks made about Indians having a lot of jewellery.
'The man was transported by private ambulance to the hospital. He remains in the intensive care unit. A scan revealed shrapnel lodged in his head. This is deeply distressing."
Rocky Naidoo, the chairperson of the Havenside Community Policing Forum (CPF), said he believed a syndicate that had been operating in Bayview, in Chatsworth, could be linked to this incident.
'They are a group of three armed men. Their modus operandi is to force open the gate, remove aluminium panels and open the doors. They then gain entry into the home, and mainly steal cell phones, cash, jewellery and televisions. The group moves around the Bayview policing area and have previously been linked to cases in Silverglen," said Naidoo.
'This spate of home invasions is concerning. The CPF will meet with the community, policing forums, and residents this week to address this. We need an analysis of all the recent incidents to come up with a strategy to curb it. All efforts will be put in place to curb the surge of home invasions."
Sher Singh, a resident in Havenside, said in Turfwood Place in April, Prenolan Nicholas Samuel, 29, was shot multiple times after three men held his mother and sister at gunpoint during a house robbery.
The women were hanging clothing on the washing line.
'In the same week of his death, three armed men robbed another home in Turfwood Place. They are using the bushes to hide. There should be a manhunt to locate them."
He said three suspicious men were spotted on Zintex Street on Monday evening.
"Security officers gave chase. They fired at the officers and managed to disappear."
"These guys are on a rampage. How many other lives must be lost before we stand together and take action within the ambits of the law to make a difference."
The Bayview CPF meeting will be held at the Umhlatuzana Community Hall today (Wednesday) at 6pm. For more information, call Rocky Naidoo on 074 446 0024.
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