A cattle farmer is fighting for his life in hospital after a brutal attack between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.
This is the second farm attack in the North West this month, coming after 55-year-old Hannetjie van Zyl was killed in an attack on her property near Ottosdal.
Donovan Marx was shot, beaten and sustained knife wounds during a farm attack between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp on Wednesday morning, shortly after his wife left for work.
Marx was shot in the back and tortured during the attack, according to the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). The party said the details of the alleged torture were too disturbing to make public.
One of the farm workers was tied up by the attackers but later managed to free himself and raise the alarm.
An intensive search was launched for the suspects, who remain at large. Preliminary information suggests they fled the scene in Marx’s bakkie.
The FF+ expressed its deepest condolences and offered prayers for Marx and his family as he continues to fight for his life.
In another incident, Van Zyl died on October 5, after being assaulted with an iron bar at the entrance gate to her farmhouse in the Ottosdal/Wolmaransstad area.
According to the DA in North West, Van Zyl was attacked from behind and struck several times on the head and neck before her handbag and cellphone were stolen. She was getting back into her vehicle after opening the gate when the attack occurred.
She died on the way to hospital in Klerksdorp.
The DA’s Theo Venter said the attacks highlight the serious safety challenges facing rural communities.
“Farm attacks, stock theft and other rural crimes threaten the lives and livelihoods of farmers, farmworkers and their families, while undermining agricultural activity and the jobs it sustains.
“Rural communities deserve more than assurances. They deserve effective policing, accountability and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their safety is taken seriously.”
Police comment has been requested and will be added to this article once received.
TimesLIVE
Shonisani Tshikalange
www.timeslive.co.za
