A 46-year-old Malawian national has been arrested in connection with a violent farm attack that occurred in the early hours of Friday, September 19.
The suspect faces charges of attempted murder, stock theft, and contravention of the Immigration Act after he was wounded by a farm owner in self-defense.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, police and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene after receiving an alert about an attack in progress.
“Upon arrival, they found the farm owner with a stab wound to the neck and one of the suspects with a gunshot wound to his right thigh. The farm owner told police he was inspecting a cut perimeter fence when he was suddenly attacked by two men. One of the assailants stabbed him in the neck, prompting the owner to fire his weapon in self-defense. He managed to shoot one of the attackers, while the second suspect fled the scene on foot,” she said.
Magagula added that both the victim and the injured suspect were transported to the hospital for urgent medical care. The suspect was subsequently placed under arrest and is being held under police guard.
He is scheduled to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court once he is medically cleared. Police have indicated that additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the second suspect, who is still at large, is currently out on bail for other criminal cases in the Carolina and Chrissiesmeer areas,” she said
Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the second suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Wiseman Nkonyane at 079 499 9489 or call the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously through the My SAPS App.
