The Nelspruit SAPS is investigating a murder case after a 53-year-old man, Etienne du Toit, was killed on a farm in Sterkspruit outside Mbombela.

His body was discovered yesterday evening. According to a statement by police, the man is said to have gone to the farm to switch off some water pumps.

“It is suspected that it was during this time he was attacked by his assailant(s). Circumstances surrounding this murder incident are still under investigation, however, a preliminary investigation indicates that the victim sustained some head injuries,” said Colonel Donald Mdhuli, a provincial police spokesperson.

Furthermore, Mdhluli said, an iron rod was also found next to his body. The police cannot rule out the possibility that the rod could have been used as a weapon by the man’s killer(s). The victim’s cellphone had not been stolen, though. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.

No one has been arrested as yet. The police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrator(s) to contact Detective Warrant Officer Tshepo Mashego on 076 631 7310 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has strongly condemned the incident and vowed that the police will not rest until all who are involved in the murder are brought to book.