TULANI NGWENYA
MBOMBELA – A farmer and his son have been arrested for allegedly killing two local men looking for work and injuring another at their farm. The father and son are part of a group of four suspects, aged between 25 and 53 who are all due to appear before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday 12 April.
The men are facing two counts of murder after two men were reportedly shot and killed at a certain farm in Dirkieskop on 9 April.
According to the SAPS in Mpumalanga spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, “The suspects are alleged to have also assaulted another man hence a third count of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm has been added against them.”
“The suspects are said to have gone to the farm owner to seek employment as seasonal workers. It is said that the farm owner informed these men that they are not welcome on his premises,” said Colonel Mdluli.
It is further said that the men came asking for work then decided to leave the farm but later realized that one of them was left behind. They then went back only to find that he was kept at the farm by the suspects.
Colonel Donal Mdluli further pointed out that, “It is said that as the men demanded that they let him go, a scuffle broke out during which two men were reportedly shot and died at the scene. Three other men are said to have also sustained serious injuries.”
Upon arrival, the local SAPS found the two groups and two lifeless bodies. Four suspects were then arrested and two firearms were confiscated to form part of the investigation. The SAPS has opened a case and investigations have began.
“A team of experts has already been established to investigate the case. Police has also asked members of the community to allow space for the law to take its course,” said Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
Sbusiso Mncube, a community member near the farm the incident took place spoke to Timeless News saying that, “The Mgcini and Zenzele were brutally gunned down like dogs at that farm after they had gone there looking for work.”
“I think its one of the owners there who turned them back saying that he did not want people of that area to work for him. They left and later on after realizing that a fellow collegue had been left behind, they went back and that is when they met their deaths. Its sad, very sad,” Sbusiso Mncube went on to say.
The SAPS management in Mpumalanga has strongly condemned the incident and is calling for calm. They have also made a plea to community members to refrain from using violence in resolving issues.
