VENTERSDORP – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a violent farm robbery and attempted murder in Syferfontein, Ventersdorp, in which Donovan Marx, a 50-year-old farmer ,was left seriously injured.
The arrests follow an intensive investigation by Ventersdorp police into the attack, which took place on Wednesday, 28 October.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in the brutal assault of the farmer, who was shot in the upper body, stabbed and had his ears cut off during the incident.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, welcomed the arrests and commended the investigating team for its swift and concerted efforts.
A 50-year-old farmer was shot, stabbed and brutally assaulted during a farm robbery in Syferfontein, Ventersdorp, in which his ears were allegedly cut off. Two suspects have since been arrested following an intensive police investigation
According to police information released on Thursday, 29 October, the incident occurred at approximately 08:30 when a farm employee was mowing the lawn.
Three armed men, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, allegedly emerged from behind the farmhouse and confronted the employee.
They pointed their firearms at him and demanded to know the whereabouts of the farm owner before tying his hands and feet with cable ties and taking him to the back of the house.
The situation escalated when the farmer arrived at the property in a red, single-cab Isuzu bakkie.
Two of the suspects allegedly approached him and shot him in the upper body before dragging him into the house, where they tied his hands and feet with cable ties.
The farmer was allegedly stabbed and further assaulted during the attack, with his ears also reportedly cut off.
The suspects then searched the house and removed three firearms from a safe before fleeing in the farmer’s red Isuzu bakkie.
The farm employee managed to free himself and summon assistance.
The injured farmer was transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted in a serious condition.
Police commend investigation team
Lieutenant General Adams condemned the violent attack and called on community members to assist the police in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
He said the use of firearms and the brutal assault of an individual during a robbery were serious criminal acts that would not be tolerated.
The arrests mark progress in the investigation, with police continuing their efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and hold all those involved accountable.
