A small window was all it took for two attackers to gain access to the home of a couple from Roodeplaat outside Pretoria and ruin a family’s lives.
When the two attackers broke into the house early on Tuesday morning, Peet van Wyk, 74, made every effort to protect his wife, Rita, 72. He wanted to keep them out of the bedroom, but was overwhelmed.
“They blinded him with cellphone flashlights and he was stabbed several times with knives that the attackers found in the house,” said their son, Christo van Wyk.
He was also hit several times with a stone.
“When my father heard the attackers in the living room, he immediately tried to keep them away from the bedroom. It was then that they overpowered him and attacked him with the knives and stone. “
Van Wyk said his father’s artery was struck and he collapsed in the corridor shortly thereafter. His mother then attacked the attackers and was stabbed in the arm.
The attackers stole two cell phones and a television, after which they unlocked and fled one of the house’s doors.
According to Van Wyk, his mother went to seek help.
“I stay close to my parents. My mother stumbled to her car and somehow got to my house. I immediately called for help. ”
She was admitted to a nearby hospital where she was recovering.
He described the murder of his father as “emotional and unfair”. According to him, his father was always helpful.
“He only knew one word: ‘Yes’. He always said ‘yes’ to everyone, ”he said with tears in his eyes.
Capt. Provincial police spokesman Mavela Masondo confirmed that police are looking for two suspects.
“They entered the holding at about 4am. We are investigating charges of murder, robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. ”
Masondo asks anyone with information to call police on 0860 10111.
