Share

Cape Town doctor attacked in home by crowbar gang

  • A top medical doctor and his family were attacked by a crowbar gang in Cape Town.
  • Two assailants used a crowbar to force their way in, and made off with valuables.
  • It is understood the man is in hospital with a cracked skull.

A top medical specialist is being treated in hospital with a cracked skull after he and his family was attacked by a crowbar gang at their home.

The incident took place in Somerset West at around midnight in the middle of a raging winter storm.

The doctor, whom News24 is not naming to protect his family, was at home in a small gated village when the attackers struck.

It is understood two assailants used a crowbar to force their way into the home.

Tied up

One of the doctor's children was taken by surprise, and immediately tied up. The doctor's wife then raised the alarm, the husband woke and came to his family's aid. He was then struck over the head with a crowbar.

MUST READ | Spike in murder rate since alcohol ban was lifted, says Cele

It is understood the wife was then marched to the room in which the safe was located, and forced to open it. 

The pair then made their escape armed with several valuables.

The doctor is being treated in a hospital and is understood to have a cracked skull. He is described as an internationally respected researcher and philanthropist.

He is known to have played a crucial supportive role recently in the Covid-19 pandemic in his expert field as a physician.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Are you among the many South Africans who've added more tinned fish to their grocery baskets?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes, pilchards is the new chicken
41% - 490 votes
No, I can't stand canned foods
59% - 710 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.56
-0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.20
-0.2%
Rand - Euro
19.95
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.21
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.3%
Platinum
976.95
-0.2%
Palladium
956.51
-1.8%
Gold
2,316.27
+0.1%
Silver
27.40
+0.6%
Brent Crude
83.16
-0.2%
Top 40
70,939
+0.2%
All Share
77,177
+0.3%
Resource 10
60,903
-0.2%
Industrial 25
107,610
+0.4%
Financial 15
16,775
+0.4%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE