WhatsApp threat from beachfront robbers
A Durban couple have armed themselves with Tasers after they were robbed, and then sent threatening text messages by their attackers.
|||Durban - A frightened Durban couple have armed themselves with Tasers after they were robbed of a phone and sent text messages, threatening that the attackers would come back for them.
This after a mother-of-two used her karate skills to fend off the robbers who had knocked out her husband with a blow to his head at the beachfront.
On Monday, the couple recounted how they were attacked while sitting on the sand, with their feet in the water, at North Beach, in the evening two weeks ago.
William van Niekerk, 39, and his wife, Jacqeline, 33, who live in a beachfront block of flats, said a group of men had appeared out of the darkness at 7pm on October 17.
William, a minister at a local church, said: “It happened so fast. One of the guys asked me for the time and I instinctively put my hand in my pocket to get my cellphone. As soon as I touched the screen to check, I was struck on the forehead. I fell unconscious next to my wife.”
Police are looking for this man, who they believe could help with finding the men who robbed a couple at the Durban beachfront. Picture: Supplied
Jacqeline, who has been taking karate lessons, began fighting off the men with punches and kicks. She said one of the attackers pulled her pants down.
“I put (one of) my rings in my mouth when they surrounded me. They managed to pull off my wedding band from my finger. One of the guys punched me on the cheek. I screamed for help and began punching him. I kicked one of them below his knee, which could have broken his leg,” she said.
Meanwhile, the other robbers took William’s Nike takkies from his feet and his wallet from his pocket.
Jacqeline fears the situation could have been much worse but for her karate skills.
“After they robbed us, I grabbed my husband and headed home.”
The day after the robbery, the couple had been recovering at home when they noticed the WhatsApp profile picture had been changed on the stolen phone.
William sent a message saying, “we have your profile picture and it was just a matter of time before we catch you”.
The user of the phone replied: “That’s not me haha I bort the phone I’m farr * want find me.”
The user also sent a profanity laden message threatening to bring more friends to Jacqeline’s workplace to beat her. The couple have since blocked the phone and SIM card. Durban central police are investigating.
William was still in pain after receiving three stitches to the wound on his head. Jacqeline is on anti-depressant pills. Both are seeing a therapist.
The couple have bought Tasers.
Jacqeline, who began taking karate lessons with her two children, aged 12 and 15, a year ago, has achieved a yellow belt. She aims to get an orange belt by next month.
William said he felt terrible knowing he had been unable to defend his wife. He said every cent spent on karate lessons was worth it.
The couple relocated from Johannesburg five years ago.
Police believe that the man in the phone profile picture may be able to help them with their inquiries.
They have asked if anyone can assist in locating him to contact detective Warrant Officer Siven Naidu at 031 325 4107 or 083 519 0356.
Daily News