SUSPECTS SOUGHT FOR DOUBLE MURDER ON A FARM
NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a frantic manhunt following a heartless incident in which two people, a 56 year old mother as well as her son aged 34, were murdered during a robbery. The sad incident occurred at a certain farm outside Nelspruit yesterday, Saturday 24 April 2021.
According to the report, the Emergency Services received a complaint around 18:30, about the incident at Valley farm and upon arrival, a male and a female were found lying motionless. The two seemed to have been hit with an object and unfortunately, they were certified dead at the scene. Police opened a murder case and preliminary investigation revealed that several items were stolen from the house hence an additional charge of robbery. A search for the suspects was immediately sanctioned. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
The two victims were identified by the family as Anna-Marie Botha, 56 years of age and Rohn Britz, aged 34.
The Police management in the province is concerned about the senseless killings that take place in the farming sector and have strongly condemned this incident. The management indicated that this unfortunate incident occurred during the time whilst the country is still in shock after two people were recently murdered in Piet Retief.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla, said that ” These killings in the farms should immediately stop because that sector is the one that gives a boost into our economy. Even during the hard Lockdown, the sector was allowed to continue working so that there is no shortage of food as well as other supplies. All relevant resources in terms of the 72 Activation Plan have been mobilised and a solid investigation team has been established to bring the perpetrators to book.”
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Police appeal to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to call the Branch Commander, Detective Colonel Ernest Maoka at 0823189843 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All information received will be treated as confidential.
The Bulletin received the following press statement just after 15H00 this afternoon.
MEC Shongwe condemns family murders near Mbombela
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe has condemned the latest incident where two family members, a mother and son, were killed on a farm near Mbombela this weekend.
A 56-year-old woman along with her 34-year-old son was killed during a robbery. The incident occurred on Saturday, 24 April 2021.
According to the report, the Emergency Services received a call around 18h30 yesterday about the incident at Crocodile Valley farm and upon arrival, a male and a female were found lying motionless. The two seemed to have been hit with an object and they were certified dead at the scene.
The police are investigating the matter and the preliminary investigation revealed that several items were stolen from the house.
The two victims were identified by their family.
The MEC appeals to the police to work around to ensure that culprits are urgently brought to book.
“What is worrying is that the incident happens shortly after the killing of two farm dwellers in Pampoenkraal farm near Mabola. “
“The police must bring these senseless murderers to face the law. We are also calling on communities who may have information regarding the case to come forward and assist the police,” says Shongwe.
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The MEC is sending condolences to the affected families. He is also calling for calm adding that the police should be given space to pursue this case and all other cases that affect farming communities.
He also indicated that Rural Safety Strategy implementation will continue to be high on government’s agenda.
Shongwe once again appealed to all farm owners, dwellers and workers to live peacefully together and to also be united against crime.
