A Newcastle family of four experienced a life changing home invasion during the early hours of Sunday morning, 8 October 2023, plunging them into a nightmarish ordeal.
The distressing incident occurred in Sering Street, Arbor Park, at approximately 3:30 am when the homeowner was awoken by an unusual noise within the house.
“He got up out of bed and when he went to investigate the noise, he noticed the burglar bars in the bathroom were on the floor,” explained an official police source.
As the homeowner noticed the dislodged burglar guards, an unidentified man suddenly seized him, compelling him to follow. It was soon discovered that the man was not alone, as he was with three other people. The four men got to work, and the remaining three family members were then awakened, subdued, and bound, before having a blanket thrown over them.
Once the family was secured, the assailants pressured them to divulge the location of their money. Succumbing to their coercion, the family revealed the whereabouts of a safe, which the intruders forcibly opened, making off with approximately R19,000 and a firearm. Additionally, they stole a laptop and cellphones.
According to Optimus Protection Services’ Ismaeel Dhalech, the culprits went as far as to force the shocked family to disable their phone’s tracking feature, to ensure it would make it harder for law enforcement to track them down.
The perpetrators then subsequently fled the scene, making their escape in a vehicle, audible to the residents. Seizing the opportunity after their departure, the family managed to free themselves from their restraints and promptly called for assistance.
While the Newcastle police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, the police source disclosed a concerning detail – the family’s dogs were poisoned two days prior to the invasion, enabling the intruders to enter the residence undetected.
With the investigation in full swing and authorities actively pursuing the culprits, the community is urged to remain vigilant and share any information that could aid in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
We invite readers to express their thoughts and opinions on this harrowing incident in the comment section below.
Comments 4
This must’ve been a horrible experience for the family.
But the dogs being poisoned was a clear sign something was going to happen.
When I took my dogs to the vet (for other reasons than poisoning) there was a dog that the vet was trying to save as it was poisoned. I truly hope the dog is fine.
It seem to be the norm with these criminals.
Is there any advice and ways to protect our animals from these ruthless criminals? I know so many residents would love to know.
These burglaries are terrible I am just grateful the family wasn’t hurt I believe in keeping the dogs inside they will be safe from being poisoned I hope and they wake you up if someone enters your home and your pets are protected too they are just as important as part of the family
I also believe in keeping my dogs inside. And before they go out I check the surroundings. And I’m attentive what happens in my front yard. But they can not get access to the main gate. With the purpose of protecting them.
They are part of the family. So poisoning dogs to get access to our homes. Is despicable and right out cruel.
This gang has been active for more than a year now in Newcastle, it just get easier, there MO stays the same, time and time again!