Shock over farm murder

2007-02-07 09:17

Cape Town - The Western Cape's agriculture MEC expressed shock on Wednesday at the murder of a farm manager near Worcester.

"This cold-blooded murder is a shock to the farming community and I trust that no effort will be spared to bring those guilty of this deed to book," said Cobus Dowry in a statement.

Desmond Sterley, 54, was found dead in his house at Ambiance Stud on Brandwacht Farm near Worcester on Tuesday morning, Western Cape police said.

Superintendent Billy Jones said Sterley's body was found under blankets in the bedroom of his home, where he lived alone. He had a single bullet wound to the back of his head.

It was believed the incident occurred sometime between late Monday night and about 07:30 on Tuesday, when farm workers found his body.

Two vehicles reported stolen from the premises were found abandoned a few kilometres away from the farm.

Dowry extended his condolences to Sterley's wife Laura, his son and two daughters.

- SAPA