Residents of Chatsworth in Durban have been left shocked and traumatised after armed criminals allegedly used mysterious substances and smoke before stealing a vehicle from a family home during the night.
The incident reportedly happened at a house on Plumbago Street in Chatsworth, south of Durban, where the family of vehicle owner Zikhona Nyirenda was asleep at the time of the break-in.According to information provided by the family, the suspects are believed to have entered the property while everyone was sleeping.
Family members claim the intruders released smoke allegedly mixed with animal substances, which caused the occupants to fall into an unusually deep sleep.The criminals allegedly broke into the house, took the keys to the vehicle and drove off with the car without anyone waking up during the incident.The family only discovered what had happened the following morning when they woke up feeling exhausted and disoriented.
Upon checking outside, they found that the vehicle and its keys were gone. They also discovered signs of forced entry where the suspects had allegedly broken into the house.The stolen vehicle, which is reportedly still new, belongs to Zikhona Nyirenda.
Images of the car and its registration details have since been circulated on social media as the family appeals to members of the public for assistance in locating it.Community members in the area say the incident has raised fear among residents, with some expressing concern over growing reports of criminals allegedly using chemicals or other substances during house robberies and vehicle thefts.
The family has urged anyone who may have seen the vehicle or who has information about its whereabouts to contact them or report the matter to the nearest police station immediately. Police investigations into the incident are expected to continue.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
