A NORTH-EAST man on a mercy mission to Africa was tied up and threatened with guns and machetes as a gang ransacked the lodge where he is staying.
John Littlejohn is in Malawi as a volunteer on a project to build a water supply to part of the northern city of Mzuzu. The 63-year-old retired Scottish Water manager was with colleagues relaxing at his lodge after a day in the field when four men forced their way into their accommodation.
The security guard protecting the volunteers, who are in Malawi with the Raven Trust, was beaten unconscious.
Last night, Mr Littlejohn’s daughter, Fiona, 34, spoke of her shock at her dad’s violent encounter with the men, who pushed the volunteers to the ground before robbing them.
She said: “It was around teatime when these men broke into the lodge.
“They broke into the building with guns and machetes and beat up the security guard.
“My dad said that he had been tied up, that he was on the ground and that the men took money.
“He says he got off pretty lightly and was being very practical about things, but it has been a shock. He is due back at the weekend and I can’t wait to see him.”
Mr Littlejohn, from Turriff, had his camera, mobile phone and cash stolen during the 20-minute raid.
The volunteer, who is married to wife Ada, is a church elder at St Ninian’s and Forglen Church at Turriff and a members of the local Probus Club.
He travelled to Malawi on September 30 after being approached by the Raven Club, a Christian organisation based in Argyll, to share his professional expertise.
His daughter said: “He was trying to set up a water system and we were pleased that he was trying to help others. Obviously we are relieved that he wasn’t injured but the security guard was taken to hospital.”
The Rev Kevin Gruar, minister at St Ninians and Forglen, has informed the congregation about Mr Littlejohn’s ordeal.
He said: “People are very concerned and being very supportive of the family.”
Ian Murray, secretary of Turriff Probus Club, said: “It must have been terrifying and his wife Ada and his family must have been very shocked and worried until they knew he was safe.”
No one was available for comment at the Raven Trust last night.
It has carried out a number of projects in Malawi, including building sewerage and water systems, setting up eye clinics and constructing and repairing roads.
Scotland has long-established links with the African country, with various twinning projects in place and Scottish Government funding made available for a number of projects.
Ken Ross, chairman of the Scotland Malawi Partnership, said: “We are concerned to hear a report of the incident involving John Littlejohn and are relieved to learn that he is now safe and well after what must have been an extremely traumatic incident.
“Thankfully, these sort of incidents are very rare.”