A determined and feisty retired local attorney, proved that he was still full of energy and a fighter, like he was in court during his younger days.
The lawyer, who not very long back, fell victim to crime in his own home, had luck on his side when he recently thwarted a possibly dangerous and violent encounter, by raising his voice louder than he did in the courtrooms, during his active days of practicing law.
Last Thursday (July 22) at around 13:00 in the afternoon, a gang of armed thugs pounced on the home of retired attorney, Abdulsattar Cassim, at the corner of Scarlet Str and 15th Ave, Laudium. He briefed the Laudium Sun, on the events that unfolded that day. “Whilst I was in my house, I heard someone knocking, seemingly at the front door, which faces Scarlet Street. But, as I proceeded to check at the front door, I then heard another sound, coming from my yard, from the 15th Ave side. That is when I realized that there were thieves at my home. They were aggressive and demanded that I open the safe, which I do not even have, and give them money. These guys had big guns and threatened to kill me. They seemed very determined and I was not sure what to do, as we do not keep cash at home since our last robbery incident. I knew if I had to tell them that I do not have money, other than few rand for kitchen expenses, they would not believe me and who knows how they would react. Just then, I spotted someone walking past outside and started screaming. Fortunately, the person heard my screams and informed the police. The police and security company guys were all here quickly and when they walked in they found one of the thugs pointing a gun at me. I can only thank the Almighty that there was no shooting at that moment, as who knows what could have happened. The thugs tried to make a run but were arrested by the police. I don’t know why we were targeted again, as this is the second time. Last year we were also held up by a gang armed with guns. I’m grateful to the police and all those who helped. Laudium is certainly is becoming a dangerous place for elders. How can we carry on living like this?”
Sergeant Simon Chokoe, of the Laudium SAPS, said, “Police in Laudium arrested three male suspects aged between 22 and 25, for a house robbery that occurred on Thursday afternoon, 2021-07-22 at the corner of 15th Ave and Scarlet Street, Laudium. It is alleged that the victim was at his residential address when three armed men entered the yard pointed the victim with firearms and pushed him into the house. It is further alleged that the suspects demanded safe keys and money. However, the victim managed to scream for help through the window as a passerby went past. Police were immediately called. A swift response from police and security officers on information provided, led to the arrest of two suspects on the scene and another suspect was apprehended whilst trying to flee the scene on foot. Shots were fired and no one was injured. One .22 revolver firearm with the serial number filed off with three live rounds and one pellet gun rifle (air gun) were seized. A case of house robbery was opened and the matter is being investigated further. Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Margaret applauded members of the SAPS, members of the security companies and the community at large for the swift response on information provided which led to the arrest of the suspects. The Station Commander further urges the community to continue working very closely with the police in fighting crime, by contacting the SAPS on 0860010111 or contacting the local police, to give information on crime. Together we can create safer communities. The suspects arrested will appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court soon.”
