Relatives outside the home of Brian and Carol Hodgson in Claremont, where the couple was attacked yesterday. Picture: Bheki Radebe
Claremont couple in ICU after attack
Their domestic worker has been left traumatised.
Brian Hodgson, 74, and his wife Carol, 70, were attacked in their Washington Road home after suspects had entered their house through a sliding door.
Brian was stabbed several times and his wife suffered a broken arm after she was beaten with a crowbar, their neighbour, Annie Bisset, said.
Relatives of the Hodgsons were too distraught to be interviewed.
Bisset said the couple are in intensive care in different hospitals.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the attack on the couple and that the domestic worker was traumatised.
“At this stage it is believed that the suspects only stole a flat-screen television set before fleeing from the scene in an unknown direction.
“Initial investigations at the scene have established that the suspects gained entrance into the house by forcing open the sliding door that leads to the lounge with an unknown object,” Van Wyk said.
No one had been arrested.
Carol was taken to Vincent Pallotti Hospital, where staff said she was in the intensive-care unit.
Brian was taken to Groote Schuur Hospital and spokesperson Alaric Jacobs said he was in a critical condition.
Bisset said Brian was stabbed repeatedly. It is understood Carol’s arm was broken during the attack.
She said it appeared the attackers had entered through a neighbour’s yard. Bisset said it was the first time such an incident had taken place in the neighbourhood.
“We have had a few breakins here… (but) this was so brutal. An old couple is fighting for their lives now.”
Bisset lamented the “slow” response from the emergency services.
She said they called a private security firm, the police and ambulance.
“They all took time to arrive,” she said.
“This is terrible. We no longer know how safe we are. The family is traumatised because of this brutal attack,” Bisset said.
Crime-fighting activist Hanif Loonat said he condemned the assault on the elderly couple, as they were among the most vulnerable in society.
“This is unacceptable and can’t be allowed to happen.”
Police have urged people with information to contact investigating officer Ashley Naidoo on 021 657 2253 or Crime Stop on 086 001 0111. Information can also be given via sms to Crime Line 32211.
http://iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/claremont-couple-in-icu-after-attack-1983786
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