No arrests following attack on 70-year-old

A 70-year-old grandmother, who attempted to fight off her attacker in a home invasion in Verulam, narrowly escaped serious harm.

Prem Balram from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said they arrived on scene at Valley View Drive in Redcliffe, Verulam, just after mid-day, to find the woman bleeding from a laceration to her right hand.

“According to the victim, a suspect had confronted her when she opened her security gate. He produced a knife and wrestled her to the ground, demanding her cellphone and cash. She then attempted to fight off the attacker. During the struggle, she managed to disarm him but the suspect began to suffocate her. He then retrieved the knife and threatened to stab her. Fearing for her life, she handed over her cellphone and the suspect fled on foot. At some point during the scuffle, the woman sustained the wound to her hand,” said Mr Balram.

He said the RUSA 44 helicopter that was already conducting aerial patrols over Verulam was routed to assist in the search for the suspect but no arrests were made.

The victim as treated for her injuries on scene.

Police investigations continue.