Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Today, the investigation of the East Flemish public prosecutor into the barbaric robbery of 89-year-old café owner Lisbeth Waldack has been closed. Three masked intruders entered the café while Waldack dozed off in the armchair on the same night.
They called for money and gold, sexually assaulted her, threatened to kill her with guns and then shot her in the arms and legs. Though she survived a traumatic event that had drastically changed her life, there were no suspects found; therefore, the case was dismissed. The prosecutor’s office announced that if additional information appears, a reference will be made to the previously mentioned document again.
The case filed over the violent attack on 89-year-old café owner Lisbeth Waldack, who was robbed in January 2023, has been closed by the East Flemish public prosecutor’s office.
“If new elements come to light, the file can be reopened,”
East Flemish public prosecutor’s office said.
There are no suspects; her community has been left raring for safety due to such acts of brutality. The robbery occurred when Waldack woke up, and the intruders ordered her to give them valuable items. Not only was she threatened, but her attackers placed a wet towel on her mouth, trying to suffocate her. They tried to rob her of her jewels and, in the process, snapped a finger bone to try and pry off her rings. The thieves returned empty-handed after taking some quantity of jewellery and cash, Rothbard said; the incident severely traumatized Waldack physically and mentally. After this traumatic event, a benefit was held with the aid of Waldack to assist her in her recovery process. Even though she said she was happy that she survived the attack, the trauma stayed with her throughout her lifetime.
Her daughter remarked on Waldack’s resilience, stating,
“Mama is holding up well. She really is a strong woman.”
The investigation’s closure has left many in the community disheartened, as they hoped for justice for Waldack and a sense of security restored to their neighbourhood. Nonetheless, the police have not accomplished much in the suspect search; the community continues to stand strongly for Waldack. The café owner had wished to end the case quickly so that she would feel safe inside her business.
Community response and ongoing concerns
After the violent robbery at Café Viking, people in the Ghent community are afraid for their safety and security, especially for vulnerable people. Such cases are related to other problems concerning crime and security measures in Belgium in general. Because of the unexpected nature of the attack on Waldack and because the crime proved to be so horrific, especially because it happened to a senior citizen, the public has had questions on how seniors, especially first-time offenders, can be well protected from such vices. The public has since reacted to this incident and other previous heinous incidences in similar malls and other businesses by demanding heightened security measures and increased police patrols. Local authorities have been encouraged to focus on safety measures that cover violent crimes and property crimes that are of equal concern to business people and community members.
In addition, as efforts in the search for measures to reduce cases of crime continue, there is an increasing culture that appreciates the importance of having communal support to bear the burden for victims of crime. Community activities such as benefit programs aimed at helping the affected people have also caught on because the residents are willing to help one another.
Despite the fact that she is now running Café Viking, many people still hope that many other citizens of Ghent will be provided with safer conditions in and outside their places of work. More importantly, as cases get brought to a close without reaching any successful conclusion, it is important for communities to encourage people to be alert to crime while at the same time addressing those who have been affected.
