|
Neighbours on 'farm attack' rap
15/11/2006 23:26 - (SA)
Linda de Beer, Beeld
Zeerust- An elderly Buhrmann's Drift farmer's neighbours, who are suspected of helping attackers steal a large sum of money from him, covered their tracks by fighting a fire that was lit to distract him.
Stephanus Oosthuizen and four co-accused appeared in Zeeurst magistrate's court on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Keaobaka Moses said Osthuizen and Joshua Banyatsi were released on R4 000; bail each.
Oosthuizen's wife, Judith, was allowed bail of R5 000 last week.
The accused all face charges of housebreaking and robbery.
The Oosthuizens are suspected of having plotted with Banyatsi to start a fire on the farm of Daantjie van Zyl, 77, so that he could be burgled while everyone was putting out the fire.
Bogus policemen
During a fire on Van Zyl's farm in August, there was a break-in, but the thieves could not find any money.
The Oosthuizens apparently helped to put out the fire.
A few days later, Van Zyl, his domestic worker and two labourers were held up by three men, who posed as policemen investigating the break-in.
The men used pepper spray on the farmer and his workers.
Boiling water, which was being prepared for tea for the "policemen", was thrown on to Van Zyl's lower body.
He was threatened with castration if he did not reveal where his money was hidden.
He gave in to the robbers' threats and handed it over.
Moses said that two people were arrested shortly after the robbery, two a few days later and, eventually, also the Oosthuizens.
Other three will apply for bail
The police enquiry also has led to the recovery of at least 10 stolen vehicles.
Some of them allegedly were taken to Oosthuizen's business in Mafikeng, to be resprayed.
The five accused will appear in court again on December 11.
Moses said Ogopoleng Nzonza, Thapelo Qwamasha and Bokamoso Leburu, who also appeared in court on Wednesday, would apply for bail then.
- Beeld
|
News
