The arrest of the second suspect in connection with the murder of the 67- year-old Ventersdorp farmer whose wife was allegedly assaulted and raped on their farm outside Ventersdorp on Sunday should send a strong message to criminals who are terrorising rural communities that the long arm of the law will finally catch them wherever they are hiding, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in commending police on the swift arrest on Tuesday.
“Without the tip off from members of the community, police would not have been able to make the breakthrough in the case. This proves that when communities work with police, crime does not stand a chance. Intensified united action and collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the farming communities should assist in preventing farm attacks as part of implementing the rural safety strategy,” Premier Modise.
Modise reiterated her call for no bail to be granted to the two suspects.
According to police, the 21-year-old was arrested on Tuesday morning around 9:15 am in Extension five in Khuma township near Klerksdorp, while hiding at his aunt’s house. Ventersdorp police managed to track the second suspect and asked Khuma Police for assistance.
The first suspect, a 22-year-old was arrested on Sunday night at about 23:00 after police received a tip-off from a member of the community. Allegedly the suspect was seen with the stolen items and Police were alerted. The suspect was found in possession of three firearms, a digital camera and knives that the Police confiscated.
Two men had confronted the farmer outside his house on the farm shortly before 10:00 am.They reportedly hit him over the head and dragged him into the house and attacked his 64-year-old wife they found in the house. It was believed that they also raped her.
The men tied her up and fled with two cellphones. She managed to free herself and found help on a neighbouring farm. SAPS-North West Spokesperson Brigadier Thulane Ngubane says that the farmer died on the scene while his wife was recovering in hospital in Klerksdorp.Police suspect the motive for the attack was robbery.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Ventersdorp Magistrates court on Wednesday morning.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
