Agri Eastern Cape has expressed its shock and sadness at the murder of one of its members, a 34-year-old father of two young daughters last night, June 26, in East London.
The organisation’s Rural Safety Chairperson, Alfonso van Niekerk, said that the deceased farmer, Darryl Richter, from the farm, Waterfall outside East London, was patrolling the nearby farm roads when he noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area. Before approaching the vehicle, Richter radioed other local farmers requesting assistance.
“Darryl approached the vehicle and encountered three armed men and an altercation ensued. During this altercation, Darryl had been stabbed, but still managed to shoot and mortally wound two of the three attackers. It is believed that the third attacker fled the scene on foot and was potentially wounded during this altercation,” Van Niekerk explained.
He mentioned that when neighbouring farmers arrived at the scene, Richter was still breathing and managed to explain the scene that had unfolded to his fellow farmers.
Richter subsequently passed away at the scene.
“Agri Eastern Cape extends its thanks and praise to the local farming community who responded to Darryl’s call for assistance and stayed with him during his final moments. Agri Eastern Cape also extends its deepest condolences to the Richter family, their friends and the East London farming community. Darryl is survived by his wife and two daughters,” Van Niekerk said.
He added that the suspicious vehicle was found near the scene with dogs loaded in the back.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brig. Tembinkosi Kinana, confirmed the incident.
“Police are searching for a murder suspect who is believed to be involved in the killing of a 34-year-old farmer from the Waterfall Farm on Saturday night, June 26, 2021 near Thornvlei Road off the N6 Beacon Bay in East London,” Kinana said.
“The motive for the incident is currently not known, but it forms part of the investigation. A murder case and two inquest dockets have been registered for investigation. No arrest has been made at this stage. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect is requested to please make contact with the investigating officer, Sergeant Kwenene on 079 408 9104. Crime Stop can also be contacted on 08600 10 111.
