Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, has ordered a full-scale manhunt to find the perpetrators of a fatal farm attack near the Baltimore, Tolwe policing area in the Capricorn District.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on Saturday, 29 November, at around 16:00. According to the police report, the 77-year-old farmer had left his home to check on his cattle when two men entered the farmhouse and overpowered his wife, tying her up.
“Upon his return, the husband was confronted by the intruders, who tied him up at knifepoint. The suspects severely assaulted him before fleeing the scene,” said Ledwaba.
The wife managed to raise the alarm with the farm watch, who, together with police and neighbouring farmers, rushed to the property.
“On arrival, they found the 77-year-old still tied up and lying unconscious. EMS personnel declared him dead on the scene. His identity is being withheld pending further investigation,” Ledwaba added.
A firearm, cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash were reported stolen. Police say the investigation is continuing.
Officers have urged anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Simon Ditle, on 082 414 1882, the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111, or the MySAPS App.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) provincial leader André Moss said he was “horrified by the brutal attack on the Mahne family” and reiterated the party’s firm condemnation of farm attacks.
Moss praised the work of Bosveld Misdaad (BMO), saying: “We thank Sakkie Louwrens and his team for their selfless service. They repeatedly confront the most gruesome scenes to uncover the truth and track down those responsible.”
He stressed that farm attacks are “not mere statistics, but a direct assault on our food producers and the safety of rural communities.”
Moss added that the VF Plus will “continue to pressure the government until farm attacks are declared a priority crime and decisive action is taken.”
The party also extended its condolences, saying: “We pray that the Father will comfort and carry the Mahne family through this dark time.”
The Star
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