Publications
A 50-year-old suspect allegedly involved in the assault and robbery of a Steytlerville farmer (65) was apprehended on Wednesday by alert community members.
They spotted him walking on the R329 between Wolwefontein and Steyterville.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that on January 22, at about 20:30, the complainant, who stays alone on a farm, heard his dogs barking but did not go outside.
While he was still sitting in his living room, an unknown a man entered his house through the open back door. The suspect asked the complainant for assistance with diesel as he alleged that his vehicle was stranded about five kilometres from the farm.
"The complainant helped the suspect by collecting two litres of diesel from his garage and they drove to the place where the suspect's vehicle was allegedly stranded. When they arrived at the place, there was no vehicle," Naidu said.
"The complainant and the suspect then drove back to the farmhouse when the suspect asked the complainant to take him into town. The complainant agreed to help him and the suspect then asked the complainant for a firearm as he was scared of being attacked in the location," she explained.
When the complainant refused, the suspect allegedly became angry and started to assault the complainant by hitting him with an ashtray and biltong slicer. The complainant eventually gave in to his request and handed the suspect a 9mm short pistol. The complainant’s hands and feet were tied and his mouth gagged with his shirt. He was also dragged into a room.
The suspect then fled with the complainant’s vehicle, which was later found by police at the entrance to the farm.
"The complainant managed to alert police and a relative who came to his assistance. He sustained numerous cuts and bruises and was treated at the scene. His firearm and some cash (change) were taken," Naidu said.
On Wednesday, at approximately 12:30, residents in Steyterville spotted a man walking shirtless on the main road and stopped him. He had blood on his jeans. A photo was sent to the complainant and he recognised the man as well as the belt that he was wearing which belonged to him. Police were informed and the man was arrested," she added.
He faces charges of house robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Police are still searching for the firearm.
