Police are investigating a case of murder after a 60-year-old man (caretaker) was fatally shot during a farm robbery in Thornhill last night.
On Thursday, 15 September 2022 at about 21:25, it is alleged that one of at least three armed men broke a window of a farmhouse in Gamtoos Mouth outside Thornhill, and stormed inside. It is further alleged that a caretaker on hearing a sound of a breaking window he went to investigate, and was fatally shot.
An armed suspect then proceeded to the bedroom, where he demanded money from the owner. He managed to steal a handbag and two cellphones before he was disturbed by a family dog, which entered the bedroom. He immediately fled the scene. At this stage, it is unknown whether a getaway vehicle was used during the incident.
A 71-year-old farm owner was not injured during the incident. Police opened a case of murder with an additional charge of house robbery for further investigation. The name of the deceased person is Victor Anton Janse Van Rensburg (60).
Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Heinrich Rheeder on 082 441 7921. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App.