Limpopo farmer, 77, killed in brutal farm home invasion — manhunt launched
A Limpopo farming community is reeling after an elderly farmer was tied up, assaulted and killed during a home invasion.
Image: File
Police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for suspects after a 77-year-old farmer was killed during a violent attack at a farm near Baltimore in the Tolwe policing area, Capricorn district.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the incident happened on Saturday around 4 pm when the elderly man left his farmhouse to check on his cattle. While he was outside, two men allegedly sneaked into the house and tied up his wife.
When the farmer returned, he was confronted by the intruders, who allegedly overpowered and tied him up at knifepoint before severely assaulting him. The attackers then fled with a firearm, cellphones, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The wife managed to alert members of the farm watch, who contacted the police. By the time officers and neighbouring farmers arrived, the elderly man was still tied up and lying unconscious. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Police said the man’s identity is being withheld pending further investigations.
Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered that all available resources be deployed to track down the suspects.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Simon Ditle, on 082 414 1882, the Crime Stop line 08600 10111, or via the My SAPS App.
Last month, IOL reported that a KwaZulu-Natal farmer, Mike Pryor, was abducted from his home and murdered before his burnt remains were discovered in his vehicle in Mpophomeni.
"It is with deep sorrow and profound shock that I, on behalf of uMngeni Local Municipality, announce the tragic passing of resident, Mike Pryor, of Kwa Heri Farm in the Indezi Valley, opposite Boschhoek in Ward 3," said the Deputy Mayor, Sandile Mnikathi, in a statement.
According to the municipality, preliminary investigations by the South African Police Service found that Pryor had been taken from his home late at night and his vehicle was later set alight.
"While the exact details are still under investigation, early indications suggest a possible connection to a disgruntled former employee. The SAPS is actively investigating the matter and is currently searching for a suspect."
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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