A chilling attack on an elderly couple in Plettenberg Bay has left residents stunned.
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CCTV footage of vicious panga attack surfaces online
The incident, which occurred at 05:10 on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, was captured on CCTV and has since gone viral.
The footage shows a masked man confronting the couple as they walked along Challenge Drive, attacking them in an attempt to steal the woman’s handbag.
Although the video does not clearly show the weapon, a family friend later confirmed that the attacker wielded a panga.
The victims, a 70-year-old woman and her 73-year-old husband were left with serious injuries but are recovering after receiving medical care.
What we know about the attack
According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain F.C. van Wyk, the suspect struck the woman while trying to grab her handbag, causing her to fall and break her arm.
She also sustained stab wounds and underwent surgery to repair the damage. Her husband received seven stitches to his head after being struck, though the panga did not penetrate his skull.
In a statement, the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) revealed that responders rushed to the couple’s aid within minutes of the attack.
The victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, where they remain in recovery.
The suspect fled the scene empty-handed, leaving behind a shaken community. Police are treating the attack as an attempted robbery and are appealing to the public for assistance
Authorities have launched an intensive investigation into the incident.
A R10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
The public has been asked to review CCTV footage released by police, which shows the attacker wearing narrow faded jeans cut off above the knees, a beige hoodie, and a white peak cap.
A family friend of the victims shared their relief on Facebook, writing:
“Remarkably, the injuries are not as bad as they could have been… Praise God they are alive. Please keep them in your prayers.”