KEY POINTS
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A 78-year-old farmer was found murdered in his Limpopo farmhouse, prompting a police manhunt.
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The incident is part of a troubling pattern of violent crimes targeting elderly farmers in South Africa.
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Community leaders and agricultural unions are calling for urgent action to enhance rural safety and protect vulnerable populations.
Police in Limpopo have initiated an intensive search for suspects following the brutal murder of a 78-year-old farmer at his residence on Stofkraal Farm, Harteles, near Polokwane.
The victim, who lived alone, was found on Thursday in his bathroom, lying in a pool of blood, with a cloth stuffed in his mouth and his limbs bound with wire. He had sustained severe head injuries.
Acting Limpopo police commissioner, Major-General Samuel Manala, has ordered the mobilization of all available resources to apprehend those responsible. A murder case has been opened by the Roossenekal police in the Sekhukhune district.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim’s blue Chery vehicle was seen traveling on the R555 towards the Burgersfort area. Sowetanlive reports that the vehicle was later found abandoned after overturning approximately 6 kilometers from the crime scene.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba urged the public to assist in the investigation, stating, “Police urge anyone who can provide information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspects to contact the investigating officer Sgt Millicent Mokgomogane on 076-614-0141 or the Crime Stop number 08600-10111.”
Rising concerns over rural safety
This incident adds to a series of violent crimes targeting elderly farmers in South Africa. In a separate case, a 74-year-old farmer and his 65-year-old wife were found bound together and burned to death in their home in Levubu, outside Thohoyandou.
The suspects in that case ransacked the farmhouse, stole firearms, and set the house alight before fleeing the scene.
The Freedom Front Plus has expressed concern over the increasing brutality of farm attacks, stating that such crimes should be declared a priority. They emphasized the need for urgent and decisive action to protect vulnerable rural communities.
The Democratic Alliance’s Provincial Spokesperson on Transport and Community Safety, Katlego Suzan Phala, added, “South Africa’s vulnerable rural communities need urgent, clear and decisive action that can no longer be delayed.”
The agricultural community has also voiced its distress. Angus Williamson, chairperson of the Mooi River Farmers’ Association, lamented the loss of an 80-year-old farmer, describing him as a “humble giant” who supported his community. He questioned, “Who kills someone who is simply trying to make a difference?”
Sandy La Marque, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu), highlighted the irreplaceable loss of skills and expertise due to such violent crimes. She emphasized the need for swift legal action and greater efforts by the police to work with farmers, especially those in isolated areas.
