Elderly couple mugged in midtown

Rustenburg – Just after attending a church service on Sunday, 3 December, an elderly couple from Rustenburg’s East End stopped at the Post Office in the central business district (CBD).

When Rudess Pretorius (aged 70) parked their vehicle, Gerhard Pretorius (her husband, 77) was getting out of the vehicle, and was overpowered by no less than three unknown men. Beating the old man in an effort to rid him of his belongings, another group of assailants opened the driver side door and went on to rip the jewellery off of Pretorius’s neck and arms, escaping with her handbag and other belongings. The couple sustained a number of injuries and were left traumatised. The incident has been reported to the Police.

Says Gerhard Pretorius: “I would urge the aged and elderly to avoid the CBD at all costs, the aged are an easy target for these criminals. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.”