Mom and children held at knifepoint during Toti home invasion

Armed robbers held up a woman and her children during a Toti home invasion in St Winifreds at the weekend.
Blue Security community and media liaison officer Andreas Mathios said three suspects, armed with knives, entered the home in San Raphael Road at around 7.30pm on Saturday night. “The suspects allegedly climbed over the wall and then walked through a door that had been left unlocked, before holding up the mother and her three children at knife point. They ransacked the house and grabbed six cellphones and two laptops before attempting to steal the family’s vehicle,” Mathios said.
“Neighbours who were outside having a braai spotted the suspects on the property, shouted at them and contacted us to respond to the scene. The suspects then turned and fled the scene,” Mathios said.
Amanzimtoti SAPS attended the scene of the crime.
Amanzimtoti residents have been warned to be vigilant following a spike in housebreakings in the suburb and surrounding areas in recent weeks.
In a separate incident yesterday a Berea mother and her two children managed to lock themselves safely in a room in the house after a gang of housebreakers gained entry into their home in Mary Thiphe Road in Westridge yesterday. The incident occurred at around 7.30pm.
“The suspects smashed a lounge window to gain entry into the home. The resident managed to lock herself and her children in a room and pressed a panic button to call for help,” Mathios said. “The suspects stole a flatscreen television from the home and fled the scene. The mother and her children were not injured during the incident.”
Mayville SAPS attended the scene of the crime.
Mathios urged residents to be vigilant and to ensure that doors and security gates are kept locked, especially at night. “We have often responded to the scene of crimes where criminals have been able to gain entry through an open, unlocked door, often while the home owner is relaxing watching television. Opportunistic criminals will seize the chance to rob you if they notice that they can easily get into your property. Ensuring external beams are switched on at night and making sure the doors are locked buys time to take your family and lock yourselves in a safe room, from where you can call for help,” Mathios said.