UPDATE | Farm murder suspects arrested within 24 hours | Lowvelder

Two suspects believed to be involved in the farm attack that led to the death of a domestic worker and the torture and traumatisation of another woman were arrested in less than 24 hours.

Their arrests were confirmed by the Lydenburg SAPS.

According to its spokesperson, Sergeant Cave Dilebo, both Mozambican nationals were apprehended during a joint operation between Lydenburg’s Detective Services, Forensic Crime Unit, Nelspruit Provincial Detectives and Lydenburg Bushveld Crime Investigations.

One of the suspects was apprehended in Mandela Village outside town and the other in the Lydenburg CBD itself.

The safe, however, contained no money, only firearms, which were left behind. The suspects instead took money belonging to Van Niekerk.

Dilebo said two women, Simone van Niekerk (31) and Vinolia Sedibe (41), were alone in the house when the attack took place.

ALSO READ: Farm attack in Potloodspruit leaves one dead and one injured

He said Van Niekerk, who recounted these events, stated that the suspect, who was later identified as a farm employee from Mozambique, and his accomplice had held her and Sedibe hostage. They reportedly forced Van Niekerk to open her Safe, threatening to rape her if she did not comply.

“The safe, however, contained no money, only firearms, which were left behind. The suspects instead took money belonging to Van Niekerk. The situation escalated further when the suspects allegedly took Sedibe into the nearby bushes. She was later found strangled, with her hands tied behind her back with cable ties. Emergency medical services attended the scene and declared Sedibe dead,” Dilebo told the newspaper.

Van Niekerk suffered injuries inflicted by a panga during the ordeal.

The police and the Local Criminal Record Centre processed the scene, and Sedibe’s body was transported to the Lydenburg State Mortuary by a pathologist.

The incident has left the community reeling and raised serious concerns about safety in rural areas, especially at this time of the year.

Dilebo said the suspects would appear in court after all the necessary statements, identity parade and crime formalities have been concluded.

He reiterated that because of the nature of this serious crime, the suspects might not appear in court until all investigations have been completed.

“They will, however, remain in police custody until their first court appearance.”