A former Claudius family now living in a seemingly secure estate, has been left traumatised and seriously questioning the level of efficiency of the security company at their lavish gated estate, after three armed thugs gained entry into their home on Valentine’s Day (February 14).
The tranquil setting within the Celtic Manor Estate on Baard Road in Raslouw, that seemed to be enhanced by the encompassing vibes of Valentine's Day, was marred by a mysterious home invasion that has left Riaz Sabdia and his family bewildered, as to how a crime of such nature could unfold in a living space that was supposedly meant to guarantee their safety.
According to a neighbour, three thugs driving a grey Polo with registration BMG 237 GP gained entry to Celtic Manor at around 11am, while security guards were on duty, on the day.
A reliable source told the Laudium Sun that the armed thugs had apparently gained entry with the assistance of a security guard who was in cahoots with them. The thugs then made their way to Riaz's home, which is said to be at the far end of the estate. When the thugs arrived in the yard, Riaz’s wife spotted them and immediately called her husband who was away at the time. “Riaz immediately called the front gate security office informing them of the intruders. It is then that the corrupt security guard informed the thugs to get away as they had been spotted,” said a resident at the complex. Another resident added that the thugs had just entered the house and were about to confront Riaz’s wife when the call from the corrupt security guard came. “They grabbed some jewellery and immediately ran out,” said the other resident.
It is believed that the security guard implicated in the robbery has been arrested. Speaking to Laudium Sun journalists telephonically, manager of the security company, Alfred Malusi, said that he could not comment on the matter freely as the details surrounding the incident were still sketchy. "We will engage with the relevant individuals involved and will thereafter be able to comment confidently on the matter at hand," he said.
Riaz refused to comment on the matter, saying it was too sensitive to speak about and that they were still traumatised.
David, one of the security guards at the Celtic Manor Estate confirmed the incident.
The Celtic Manor Estate, on Baard Road in Raslouw, was targeted by criminals recently.