Cops crack farm attack puzzle
1900-01-01 00:00
Potchefstroom - Police in Mooi River claim to have made a significant breakthrough in their investigations into a spate of farm attacks in the area, including the murder of an elderly couple on their smallholding near Ottosdal in November last year.
Police spokesperson Sup Louis Jacobs says five suspects were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday last week in Tswelelang outside Wolmaransstad by members of the serious offence and violent crime unit in Klerkdorp.
The five men are suspected of attacking Fanie van Jaarsveld (78) and his wife, Susan van Jaarsveld (62) on their farm near Ottosdal in the early hours of the morning on November 21, 2000.
The couple were asleep when the attack happened.
The suspects demanded money, and then repeatedly assaulted the couple with a pickaxe and a knobkierie.
The men then fled after raiding the house.
Apart from the Ottosdal attack, the suspects are also thought to be linked to seven other incidents in the area.
During their arrest last week, police seized a pistol that was stolen during the attack on the Van Jaarsvelds.
Detectives have also linked the men to burglaries, stock theft and attempted robberies that happened during the same period last year.
The men have already appeared in court on charges of housebreaking, robbery and attempted murder relating to the Van Jaarsveld attack.
Ben Thabe (28), Alfred Tladisi (21), William Letlhomo (26), Mathews Mafylako and Jantjies Tshofela (22) were remanded in custody and will appear in court again on September 5.