Collaboration between neighbouring farmers, security company officials and the police led to the arrest of two suspects on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, for the alleged murder and house robbery reported on a farm in Modderfontein, close to Rustenburg.
Initial information received indicated that a 68-year-old, Frans Venter, was home with two workers, a gardener and a domestic worker, when four suspects firstly overpowered the gardener who was working in the garden. He shouted for help, but was tied up with an electrical cable. The domestic worker who reacted upon hearing the gardener screaming, was also overpowered and also tied up. Lastly the suspects proceeded and gained entry into the house and overpowered Mr Venter. He was severely assaulted and stabbed to death. Numerous items were robbed by the suspects, who fled the scene on foot. One of the workers managed to escape and ran to a neighbour for help. Neighbouring farmers and the police were immediately alerted of the incident. A private person arranged for air support with a chopper and numerous farmers as well as security personnel joined in a search for the suspects.
The first suspect was spotted and arrested by a security company official and handed over to the police. A short while later, police also spotted another suspect and arrested him. The suspects were found in possession of cellphones, a clap pistol with blank rounds, a BB gun as well as a bag containing items robbed at the farm. Both suspects, who are believed to be in their late 20’s will appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 23 September 2022, on charges of murder and house robbery. Two other suspects are still at large.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said the police will not be successful in solving crime without the assistance of the Community. He thanked the neighbouring farmers and security company officials for their assistance that led to the arrests. He emphasized that the police will continue to work hard to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.