A KwaZulu-Natal couple was forced to transfer R11,000 to armed intruders during a violent home invasion in Osindisweni on Friday.
The victims, a 57-year-old plumber and his 48-year-old wife, were at home when three suspects armed with firearms broke in.
The assailants took their cellphones and demanded access to their banking apps, forcing them to transfer money from their Nedbank and Capitec accounts.
Before fleeing, the robbers loaded a 50-inch Samsung TV, two cases of Amstel beer, and two cellphones into a black Mini Cooper with an unknown license plate.
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Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to an emergency call at around 17:09. Upon arrival, officers found the male victim bleeding from a head injury sustained after being pistol-whipped. Paramedics treated him on-site, but he declined hospital care.
The couple revealed that the stolen funds had been set aside for a prayer gathering that weekend.
Authorities have launched an investigation and urge anyone with information to assist law enforcement.