An Elsies River pensioner’s usual bicycle ride to the local clinic ended in horror when he was assaulted and robbed of his bicycle early Monday. Two men punched and kicked 85-year-old Abraham Sass and left him lying on the side of the road next to Ruyterwacht Clinic, his niece Joyce Filander said.

Sass could not be interviewed as he was too traumatised after the attack, she said.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a case of common robbery was under investigation. She confirmed Sass was robbed of his bicycle. “No one has been arrested,” said Rwexana.

Sass was left with a swollen eye, stitches on his hand and bruises all over his body after the attack, Filander said.

He still managed to visit the clinic for his regular check up and was treated for his injuries before he walked back home, she said.

Sass normally cycled the 4km to the clinic every time he had to go for a check-up and had been doing so for many years, she said.

Filander said Sass now worried about how he would get to the clinic for his next appointment in two weeks.

He believed his attackers could be drug addicts and they robbed him because he was defenceless,said Filander.

“His body was trembling when he came back from the hospital. He said two guys robbed him after pushing him hard off the bicycle. He did not see them coming.

“He said because he is old, he struggled to get up after he fell and when he lifted his head he saw one of his attackers riding off with the bike and the other running next to it,” said Filander.

“It is a worrying factor for us as a family because he could have been hurt worse.

“That bike is his transport and he does not like to be a nuisance to others. That is why he rides himself to the clinic every time he must be there.

Filander said other patients at the clinic were helpful and showed kindness to Sass, and allowed him to be the first to see the doctor because of his injuries.

“We want his bicycle returned to him because it is his only mode of transport, especially when he goes to visit the clinic. His bicycle is his car,” said Filander.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crimeline 32211

 

[Source: Cape Times]