Couple attacked on Komga farm
2003-03-05 08:28
East London - An elderly farmer and his wife were attacked and tied up by three thugs on their farm at Komga, north of East London in the Eastern Cape, on Tuesday.
Farm owner Brian Barry Boucher, 66, was stabbed in the stomach and has lacerations.
His wife Rosslyn, 63, was pistol-whipped over the head and face and has lacerations, severe bruising and swelling.
Both were treated at Komga Hospital and discharged.
The attackers stole three guns, R15 000 in cash and household goods valued at about R10 000.
Superintendent Eddie Watson said Boucher was approached by the three men on his Haddon Farm about 16:00 on the pretence that they wanted to buy livestock.
"While showing them stock one of the men pulled a gun, one a knife and another a screwdriver," Watson said.
Boucher, his wife and two farm labourers, Boycie Nkosina and Elias Boda were forced into the farmstead.
The Bouchers were tied up with rope.
"Boucher was then gunwhipped over the head and face and Mr Boucher stabbed in the stomach.
"The men then demanded Bouchers's car keys and keys to a safe before both were locked in a room in the house," Watson said.
The labourers, who were not assaulted, were taken to an outside shed where they were tied up.
Watson said the robbers then opened a safe and stole the guns and money.
A television set, microwave oven and a video recorder were also stolen.
Watson said the robbers made their getaway in Boucher's car, a blue Opel Monza with registration BBC 555 EC.
The Bouchers managed to free themselves about 18:00 and, after untying the labourers, they drove to Komga police station to report the attack.
Watson said police received information that Boucher's car had been spotted near Bisho being driven towards King William's Town about 17:30.
It has not been recovered.
The motive for the attack is believed to be robbery.
Police are investigation cases of armed robbery, theft and assault.
Anyone who spots Boucher's car was asked not to try to apprehend the occupants as they are armed and considered dangerous, but to rather contact the nearest police station immediately.
- SAPA