HOEDSPRUIT – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal attack on 72-year-old farmer Johan van Eck at Carpe Diem Farm in Trichardtsdal.

Two suspects apprehended

The suspects, both originally from Zimbabwe, were apprehended on Saturday afternoon by members of the Sekororo and The Oaks communities after they were allegedly involved in a housebreaking incident in The Oaks the previous night.

Community members detained the pair and handed them over to the SAPS in Hoedspruit.

During questioning, it was confirmed that the two men are also suspected of attacking Van Eck during a violent robbery at his farm on February 22.

Van Eck was seriously injured during the attack and had to undergo emergency surgery.

Read more: Trichardtsdal farmer fights for his life in brutal attack

The attack remembered

According to earlier reports, the farmer had returned to Carpe Diem Farm shortly after 08:00 that morning to collect some of his belongings after relocating to Hoedspruit.

While inside the farmhouse bathroom, he was ambushed by two unknown assailants armed with pangas, a knife, and straps. Despite the violent attack, Van Eck fought back in an effort to protect himself.

The suspects fled on foot after robbing him of approximately R2 500 in cash. The money had reportedly been set aside as a farewell gift for a long-time employee with whom Van Eck had a close relationship.

A co-worker later discovered Van Eck severely injured inside the farmhouse and alerted authorities.

Emergency surgery required

Van Eck was rushed to Hoedspruit Private Hospital in critical condition, where he underwent nearly four hours of surgery to treat multiple stab and panga wounds. He also sustained a fractured C3 vertebra in his neck.

Medical staff later confirmed that major veins and nerves had not been damaged, and his condition stabilised after the procedure.

Police probe ongoing

Following their arrest this weekend, the suspects were transferred to Maake Police Station in Lenyenye. They appeared in the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Monday, March 16. The outcome of their court appearance is still unknown.

Authorities also confirmed that one of the suspects was out on parole for other cases at the time of the alleged offences.

Police investigations are ongoing.