Limpopo farmer's murder sparks outrage as police search for suspects

As police have launched a manhunt for the suspects who killed a 77-year-old farmer and injured his wife during a violent attack in Baltimore, Limpopo, the family have appealed for privacy.

According to a local neighbourhood watch, the family have asked that no statements be made to the media at this time.

The Freedom Front Plus, which expressed shock and outrage at the incident, said farmer At Mahne and his wife Petro were tied up and assaulted by the suspects on Saturday, November 29. 

In a statement, André Moss, MPL and provincial leader for Limpopo, said the party “expresses its profound horror at last night’s brutal farm attack on the Mahne family.”

“Uncle At Mahne tragically lost his life, and his wife, auntie Petro, was rushed to hospital,” adding that “what should have been a season of joy and gratitude for most South Africans turned into an unbearable nightmare for this farmer and his family.”

Moss thanked rural safety responders, saying “the Freedom Front Plus thanks Sakkie Louwrens of Bosveld Misdaad and his team for their selfless service and dedication”. 

He said the party “strongly condemns farm attacks,” describing them as “a direct assault on the country's food producers and the safety of rural communities,” and pledged that it “will keep pressuring government until it declares farm attacks a priority crime and takes decisive action.”

The FF Plus “extends its deepest condolences to the Mahne family, and prays that the Father will comfort and carry them through this dark time.”

The DA's Marie Helm, MPL and DA provincial spokesperson for the Limpopo department of Agriculture and Rural Development expresses the party's sincere condolences to the family.

“The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo expresses its sincere condolences and stands in solidarity with the Mahne family and the Baltimore farming community following the tragic loss of At Mahne in a farm attack on Saturday, 29 November.

“We also note that his wife, Petro Mahne, has been discharged from hospital and is now recovering at home. We wish her a full and swift recovery. We extend our gratitude to all organisations and community members who responded to the incident and provided critical assistance.”

Helm said the lack of adequate policing — and the resources needed to enable the police to act swiftly and effectively — leaves rural South Africans vulnerable to criminals who act with impunity.

“Every new attack tears at the fabric of rural communities and undermines our nation’s food security. The DA will continue to fight for the safety and protection of everyone who lives and works in our rural areas. Those responsible for this attack must face the full weight of the law.”

Police have launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe “has directed that Police make use of the available resources to hunt down the suspects responsible for murder (farm attack) related incident at a farm near Baltimore Tolwe policing area, Capricorn district.” 

According to the police report, the victim had left the farmhouse around 16:00 to check on cattle when “two male suspects sneaked in and entered the farm house, and tied up a female victim (wife) inside the house.”

When he returned, “he was surprised to see the intruders who also tied him at knifepoint. The suspects severely assaulted him and fled the scene afterwards.” 

His wife alerted the farm watch, and responders declared him dead upon their arrival at the scene.

A firearm, cellphones, and an undisclosed amount of money were taken. Police urged anyone with information to “contact the Detective investigating Officer Sergeant Simon Ditle on 082 414 1882, or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively MySAPS App.”

The attack comes amid growing concern over rural violence, following last month’s brutal killing of Mike Pryor in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

THE MERCURY