A paralysed woman was severely assaulted during a robbery at her New Brighton home on Tuesday.
The 87-year-old woman, was alone at home after her caregiver left the Rula Street house at about 12pm to go to the shop.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the caregiver returned about 40 minutes later.
“On her return, she found the victim severely assaulted in her face and body in her bed,” Beetge said.
“It is alleged that the security gate was closed but not locked and that an unknown number of suspects gained entry into the house and assaulted the victim demanding money.
“Her purse containing an undisclosed amount of cash and bank cards was then taken by the suspects before fleeing from the house.”
Motherwell cluster commander Major-General Dawie Rabie called on communities to take care of the elderly.
“Crimes committed against the elderly should be seen as crimes committed against the whole community,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Motherwell Cluster Serious Violent Crime Unit detective Captain Jerome Mackay at 071 475 2015.