DURBAN � Yesterday, it is alleged that an elderly woman (84) had just arrived at her home in Hillcrest when she was confronted by an unknown man. She had been getting out of her vehicle when the suspect grabbed her by throat and a scuffle ensued.

A relative (67) who witnessed the attack came to provide her with assistance. He intervened by trying to separate them but the suspect grabbed a pair of garden shears from the garage and stabbed the man in his mouth.

The suspect fled the scene on foot with the garden shears. While the suspect was fleeing from the scene, he stole a bicycle from another house and used it to flee.

The Gillitts neighbourhood watch was alerted and a search was conducted. The suspect was apprehended riding the stolen bicycle he on Stockville Road. The stolen garden shears that was in his possession was also recovered.

He was handed over to police and he was charged with house robbery, attempted murder and theft. Due to the vigilance response of the community the suspect will appear at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Source: South African Police Service