Attempted murder and house robbery suspect arrested in Phoenix

A 42-year-old man who stabbed, strangled, and assaulted an elderly woman during a house robbery was arrested by members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) in Phoenix, KZN.

The RUSA Operations Center received a call for assistance this morning (Wednesday) after the 62-year-old victim sought assistance from neighbors on Riverview Road in Ottawa, KZN. Reaction Officers were dispatched to the property and on arrival found the woman bleeding from stab wounds to her hand.

A blood-soaked piece of material was found tied around her neck. She also suffered blunt force trauma to her eyes due to being punched in the face.

The victim informed Reaction Officers that she exited her home to water her plants. As she entered the house, the suspect walked in with her and began assaulting her. He grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her before he attempted to strangle her. He then stole her cellphone and fled on foot. The suspect was known to the woman and had previously visited her and asked for handouts.

She provided officers with a detailed description of the man. Reaction Officers set out in search of him and interviewed several residents in the Ottawa and Parkgate area who confirmed that he was known to them. RUSA members received information that a man matching the description was spotted between Zwelisha and Phoenix. Reaction Officers converged on the area and searched a construction site. The suspect was located hiding on the upper level of a building. His pants were soiled with the victim’s blood.

During an interview, he stated that she had sold the cellphone for R100 to a taxi driver shortly after the robbery. He then proceeded to Phoenix where he purchased Heroin.

The suspect was placed under arrest and is currently detained at the Verulam SAPS.