PICS | Knife threat forces sick 69-year-old woman to flee KZN home

According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the woman was forced to flee her home after a man allegedly forced open her gate, entered the property and took her Huawei cellphone.

The woman was “forced to flee her home and jump over a patio wall to escape an attacker in Ottawa – KZN, this morning (Monday),” RUSA said in a statement.

RUSA said multiple Reaction Officers, paramedics and a drone pilot were dispatched to the scene on Riverview Road following the incident.

The woman reportedly fled after noticing that the suspect was reaching for a knife in her kitchen.

“She fled when she realised that the suspect was reaching for a knife in her kitchen,” RUSA said.

During her escape, the woman jumped over a pot plant and sustained injuries.

RUSA said its first responders converged on the property, while Reaction Officers were directed by the drone pilot to several suspicious activities along a nearby stream.

“The victim explained that the suspect forced open her gate while she was inside her home. He then gained entry and removed her Huawei mobile phone,” the emergency response organisation said.

The suspect is also believed to have attempted to gain entry into another nearby residence minutes before allegedly attacking the woman.

RUSA said the suspect remains at large.

Police have not yet commented on the incident or confirmed whether a suspect has been identified or arrested.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.