Pensioner, 62, Fights Off 4 Attackers in Failed Kidnapping

The retiree fought off four assailants in a violent attempted kidnapping and robbery just metres from his home in Curepipe, Mauritius. The man, who has lived in the area for over 50 years, was accosted by the attackers who were in a car and pretended to ask for directions before attempting to force him into their vehicle. He was able to resist and escape the harrowing ordeal.

Pensioner Fights Off Attackers in Failed Kidnapping

A 62-year-old pensioner has spoken of his shock after he was the victim of an attempted kidnapping and robbery near his home in Curepipe on Saturday, 20 September.

The man was returning from the supermarket when a car with four individuals inside stopped beside him. He had two shopping bags with him.

One of the men in the car asked for directions to “the antenna.” The pensioner showed him the way, but the car drove a short distance before stopping again. When the man walked past the car, the attackers made their move.

“They could have killed me!” exclaimed the shocked victim. “I don’t know their real intention. I’ve lived here for over 50 years; this is the first time this has happened to me.”

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said one of the suspects got out from the back of the car and grabbed his shopping bag.

The man was forced halfway into the vehicle, with another suspect helping to push him in. He fought back, screaming for help.

The attackers managed to steal his mobile phone, wallet, bank card, and his two shopping bags containing bread, chicken, and vegetables.

In the struggle, the man suffered bruises to his arm and elbow, as well as a scratch on his head. His resistance, and his screams for help, caused the attackers to flee.

A neighbour, hearing the commotion, came outside, but the assailants had already vanished.

The pensioner, still in shock, informed his wife. He was taken to the hospital for treatment before he filed a police report at the Curepipe police station.

“Fortunately for me, I had some notions of self-defence acquired in my youth,” he said. “With only one person, I would have had him, but there were two of them.”

He expressed fear for the safety of the elderly in the area. “It is absurd; the law is not severe enough. Many elderly people are being attacked; the authorities must put a stop to it,” he implored.

The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Curepipe has taken over the case and is analysing CCTV footage from the street in an attempt to identify the suspects’ vehicle.

Source: Defi Media