Port Alfred man in court for attack on elderly woman

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

A 24-year-old man has appeared in the Port Alfred Magistrate's Court for allegedly robbing and severely assaulting an 83-year-old woman.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula, says the woman is now recovering in a Port Elizabeth hospital following the attack in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

He says after police were alerted by a private security company which had responded to a panic call, Warrant Officer Daniel Marais, rushed to the scene in Dickersen Street.

Mjekula says Marais then arrested the suspect who was hiding under a tree in a neighbouring property.

Meanwhile, a joint response by Uitenhage and PE police has led to the arrest of two suspects who allegedly robbed a tobacco company vehicle.

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Gerda Swart, says the heist took place on the R-75 between Uitenhage and Despatch on Wednesday afternoon.

She says police responded to the incident after being alerted by the public.

A chase ensued and with the assistance of neighbouring police stations the suspects were arrested in Kwadwesi.

Swart says police recovered the stolen goods and also seized a 9mm firearm.

She says the suspects will appear in the Uitenhage Magistrate's Court on charges of aggravated robbery and the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.