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- Two alleged robbers stormed the home of a 78-year-old farmer in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday.
- The farmer managed to shoot one of the knife-wielding suspects who entered his home.
- The other suspect escaped and authorities are searching for him.
An alleged farm attack was thwarted in KwaZulu-Natal after one of the assailants was shot dead in Bishopstowe, Pietermaritzburg, police said on Thursday.
"It is alleged that yesterday morning a 78-year-old male was at his farm in Bishopstowe fixing his vehicle when he was accosted by two males armed with a knife. The victim opened fire, fatally wounding one suspect and one managed to escape unharmed," police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said.
She said charges of attempted robbery and an inquest was opened at Bishopstowe police station for investigation.
"The farmer reported that the second attacker ran into the bush as soon as the shooting occurred," Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst said.
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DA MPL Martin Meyer said there had to be a concerted effort from police and communities in KZN's rural areas to tackle the problem.
"From all accounts, the Bishopstowe community and security companies are going above and beyond what can be expected of them, using patrols and drones in a bid to find and apprehend the suspects involved in yesterday's incident."
Meyer said police had to do more and that staffing and shortage of vehicles should not be used as excuses.
"In a recent written parliamentary reply to questions submitted by the DA, the MEC for Community Safety and Liaison indicates that Bishopstowe is in fact one of the few rural police stations that have more vehicles than required."
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