Victim hospitalised after armed intruders storm North West home
A 65-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in the head during a brutal house robbery in the Melodie area near Hartbeespoort Dam in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The attack took place at approximately 01:20 on 22 March 2026, when two suspects broke into the residence by removing a kitchen window. One of the intruders was reportedly carrying a firearm and confronted the occupants of the home, sparking a physical struggle that ended with the elderly victim being shot.
Emergency medical teams were already on scene when police arrived at the property. The injured man was rushed to a nearby medical facility where he continues to receive treatment. The suspects made off with two cellular phones before disappearing into the night.
Manhunt under way as police pursue all leads
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no arrests have been made thus far, but investigators are actively following up on every available lead in an effort to track down the perpetrators. The incident forms part of a broader pattern of violent crime that authorities in the North West province have been working to curb.
"We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. Police will work tirelessly to track down those responsible, and we urge anyone with information to come forward. Violent criminals have no place in our communities, and we will ensure they are brought to book."
Those were the words of Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr R Naidoo, who expressed outrage at the brazen nature of the attack and called on residents to assist investigators by sharing any information that could help identify the suspects.
The police have reiterated their commitment to stamping out violent crime across the province and have urged communities to remain vigilant, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours when such incidents are most likely to occur. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact their nearest police station or provide anonymous tip-offs through the relevant crime reporting channels.
The case remains under investigation.
South Africans living in residential areas, particularly around popular tourist destinations like Hartbeespoort Dam, face growing concerns about the safety of their homes as violent house robberies continue to plague communities across the North West province. Such incidents threaten property values, discourage investment in local tourism economies, and erode public confidence in law enforcement. Whether the ongoing manhunt yields arrests may signal how effectively authorities can address the persistent challenge of armed home invasions in the region.
