Five suspects aged 26 to 56 have been arrested over the attack on farmer Donovan Marx, 50, at his Syferfontein property near Ventersdorp in North West. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
What happened
Marx was attacked at his farm on Wednesday 28 October. A farmworker was also attacked, according to reports of the investigation.
Ventersdorp detectives, supported by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, led the follow-up operation.
The arrests
- Two suspects were arrested in the Ventersdorp area on Saturday 31 October.
- Three more were arrested in Promosa, near Potchefstroom, on Sunday 1 November.
Police seized four firearms, two of which are linked to the attack, along with clothing and jewellery.
The suspects are charged, or are expected to be charged, with house robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They were expected to appear in the Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom magistrates' courts on Tuesday 3 November.
Reaction
Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, said on X: "Five arrests in a matter of days are significant progress." He praised the detectives and the Anti-Gang Unit, said the next step is building a strong case for court, and asked that the privacy of Marx's family and the integrity of the investigation be respected.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp has also condemned the attack.
What we do not yet know
- The outcome of the suspects' first court appearances and whether bail will be opposed.
- The motive for the attack.
- Marx's current condition. His family has asked for privacy.
The suspects have not been named by police in the information reviewed, and we are not naming them.
