12-year-old girl held at gunpoint during Osindisweni house robbery, suspects flee

A 12-year-old girl was held at gunpoint during a home invasion in Osindisweni, KwaZulu‑Natal, when four armed suspects forced their way into the property in the early hours of Thursday, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said.

What happened

Rusa members were called to the residence at around 3:49am on Thursday. On arrival they found that the suspects had already fled. A 53‑year‑old aunt of the child was located hiding under a bed.

Officers interviewed the girl, who said she was asleep when four armed men entered the property through a gate and a sliding door and confronted her with a firearm. The suspects asked about money, a safe and electronic devices, and told the child to call her aunt to confirm whether she was at home.

Items taken and victims’ condition

The suspects searched the house for valuables but were unable to locate any cash or a safe. According to the child, they removed a black Samsung television before fleeing. Neither victim sustained physical injuries, but both were traumatised and said they would open a case with the South African Police Service (Saps).

Response and investigation

Rusa members conducted an extensive search of the property and surrounding areas but could not locate the suspects. Rusa said investigations are ongoing.

Separate food delivery robbery in Waterloo

Rusa also reported a separate armed robbery in Waterloo, KwaZulu‑Natal. Members were called to Avocado Pear Street at about 10:45pm on Wednesday after a food delivery biker was robbed at gunpoint.

The victim, a 44‑year‑old Zimbabwean national who had travelled from Mount Edgecombe to make a delivery, said a white Datsun Go blocked his path and four suspects exited the vehicle. One man allegedly threatened him with a firearm and took his motorcycle keys and a silver Samsung A05 cellphone before the suspects fled. The victim was not injured.