Johannesburg, South Africa— One homeowner was killed and another left in critical condition Thursday night during an armed home invasion in a northern suburb of Johannesburg.
The attack happened at 8:00 p.m. in the Fourways area. Three armed men jumped the perimeter wall of a double-story house. They forced open a sliding door at the back. The couple inside, both in their 50s, were watching television. The men demanded cash, jewelry, and car keys.
The male homeowner resisted. He was shot in the chest at close range. He died in the living room. His wife was shot in the abdomen and head when she tried to call for help. She was found by a neighbor who heard screams.
Private security and police arrived within 10 minutes after the alarm was triggered. The suspects had already fled with a television, phones, and the family's SUV. The vehicle was later found abandoned near Diepsloot.
"They were very aggressive. This was not just a robbery. They used excessive force," a police spokesperson said at the scene. "Home invasions in this area have increased. Criminals know people keep valuables at home due to load-shedding fears."
Fourways and surrounding suburbs have seen a surge in armed robberies this month. Residents have formed WhatsApp groups and hired extra armed response. Gangs often monitor houses before attacking.
Forensic teams collected fingerprints and a dropped cellphone believed to belong to one suspect. The female victim was taken to Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in critical condition. She is in intensive care.
Police opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery. No arrests have been made. The community policing forum will hold an emergency meeting Friday.
The couple's adult son, who does not live at the house, arrived at the scene and was assisted by trauma counselors.
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