Bothaville detectives are investigating a murder and a farm attack after two separate incidents targeting elderly residents on Sunday left one person dead and two others injured.

Petrus Janse Van Rensburg (69) was found dead outside his home on 7th Avenue in the Bothaville industrial area at about 06:00 on Sunday, 14 June.

Police were summoned to the scene where Van Rensburg’s brother directed them to a white Isuzu single cab. The vehicle’s doors were open with blood stains visible on the interior. Van Rensburg’s body was found metres away, leaning against a warehouse fence.

The victim had sustained multiple stab wounds to his right arm, chest and the right side of his neck. Two beanies were found near his body.

Emergency medical services declared Van Rensburg dead on the scene.

Elderly couple attacked on farm

In a separate incident later that evening, an elderly couple aged 77 and 80 were assaulted and robbed on their farm in the Bothaville policing precinct.

The attack occurred at about 20:00 when the victims arrived at their farm and were accosted by three unknown men wearing gloves with their faces covered.

One suspect struck the male victim on the head with a hammer while the two other suspects held the female victim. The couple were then forced inside their home where they were assaulted with a steel pole.

The suspects demanded money from the victims before gagging them with tape and tying their hands. One of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

The three suspects ransacked the bedroom before fleeing with a revolver, female clothes and shoes, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victims managed to untie themselves at about 23:30 and reported the incident to police. Both sustained minor injuries.

The motive for Van Rensburg’s murder remains unknown and no arrests have been made in either case.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist with investigations or lead to arrests to come forward. Captain Maleme of the Bothaville Detectives can be contacted on 082 466 7923 or contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs may be sent through the MySAPS App.

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