A BETTER Hope, Essequibo Coast housewife is counting her lucky stars she is still alive, after she was awakened by a choke and a knife to her neck on Saturday.

Chaitwattie Sooknanan called “Malinee”, 30, told the Guyana Chronicle that the incident occurred around 03:30hrs and during the ordeal, the lone robber escaped with two gold chains valued $120,000, three gold stud earrings valued $45,000 and G$30,000.

He reportedly bolted from the scene after his mask fell off.

The housewife related that she secured her home around 19:00hrs Friday and retired to bed, but was awakened from her sleep by a choke from a masked man, who quickly placed a knife at her neck.

The intruder then tried to rape her but she screamed and pulled off his mask and was able to identify him. The woman shouted out his name and the robber panicked and ran through a back door.

The screams of the woman alerted neighbours who came to her rescue. The police were informed and visited the scene. They are hunting for the suspect, who is reportedly from Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast.