VENTERSDORP – The four people accused of a farm attack at Syferfontein between Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom, has abandoned their bail application when they appeared in the Ventersdorp District Court on Friday 13 November.

Phindile Nomngcayi (30), Thomas Motlhangtlhong (27), Mothoka Mathipa (56) and Mokhema Maishane (53) face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, assault, pointing of a firearm, possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges follows the alleged farm attack on Donovan Marx (50) on Wednesday 28 November. During the attack Donovan was shot, stabbed and had both his ears cut off. 

ALSO READ: WATCH | Jubilant Donovan Marx discharged from hospital after brutal farm attack.

Although the state was ready to proceed with the bail hearing, the four accused informed the court of their decision to abandon their bail application.

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that a fifth individual was withdrawn as an accused person after a thorough assessment of the case docket established insufficient evidence linking the person to the alleged offences. The individual has indicated a willingness to testify for the State as an ordinary witness, and not in terms of Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The matter was postponed to 15 February for further investigations.