NELSPRUIT – A 36-year-old male suspect has been arrested at Spring Valley in Witbank in connection with a farm murder that occurred on 15 January 2023 at a certain farm in Badfontein near Lydenburg around 06h30 am. The members also managed to recover a white Toyota Hilux 2.4 bakkie and a 9 mm pistol with ammunition in possession of the suspect.
According to the information, it is said that Mr Jacobus Jacoba Nortjie (53) was about to go to work when he was approached by two armed male suspects who allegedly shot him. They then allegedly went inside the house and found the farmer’s wife whom they allegedly assaulted then tied her using some ropes on both the legs and hands. The suspects are said to have also took car keys for the said bakkie. It is further reported that the suspects robbed the victims of their mobile phones as well as some bank cards. Thereafter the suspects are said to have fled the scene with the stolen items. The Police at Lydenburg as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident and upon arrival the man was unfortunately certified dead at the scene. A case of farm murder with an additional charge of house robbery.
After the case was registered, an investigation was immediately conducted which led to information being obtained regarding the whereabouts of one of the suspects in Witbank. Members from K9 Unit in Lydenburg followed the details and upon arrival near a certain house in Spring Valley in Witbank. They began searching for the suspects then suddenly two suspects driving in the alleged robbed bakkie reportedly drove passed the said members. It is further reported that the members then gave chase with intent to apprehend them. It is said the bakkie stopped and the two suspects jumped out and ran on foot but the members got off their vehicles and were chasing them on foot. Each suspect was followed by members who tactically divided amongst themselves into two group. One of the suspects went and hide behind a shack and when one of the members approached him, the suspect tried to get hold of the firearm from the said member. A crew member saw the struggle between the two.
The suspect was shot and wounded on his left upper leg.
The arrested suspect could be charged for the Lydenburg farm murder and robbery as the probe continues. The second suspect evaded the arrest meanwhile a Toyota Hilux GD 6 suspected to have been stolen during the farm murder and robbery was recovered, as well as a 9mm pistol serial and some ammunition were also recovered.
After the arrest was made good citizens from Spring Valley informed the police in Witbank today, Tuesday 17 January 2023 that the arrested suspect allegedly dumped a Honda CRV vehicle and ran off. The vehicle was also confiscated and pretty investigation indicates that the vehicle was stolen during an armed robbery in October 2023 at Lydenburg. A rifle with its serial numbers filled off was also recovered by the members of the police at a certain house where the second suspect resides. The investigation continues with the hope to arrest him.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the success made and emphasized that the members all over the province are geared up to deal with crime more especially as the year has begun.
Source: South African Police Service