The two teenagers arrested in connection with the murders of Louis and Ina Cloete will remain in custody following their court appearance in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on May 11.

It is alleged that the men, aged 19, and a third suspect who is still at large, entered the home of 74-year-old Louis and his wife Ina (65), confronted Cloete and thereafter ransacked their home.

They then allegedly tied up the Cloetes and before fleeing the scene with the couple’s vehicle, set their home alight.

Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba at the time of the incident confirmed that preliminary police investigations revealed that the farmer and his wife were accosted by the suspects who ransacked the farmhouse and took several items including firearms, and loaded these into the family vehicle.

According to Ledwaba, a passerby noticed two strangers wandering the premises. “The two were about to leave the premises in the farmer’s vehicle but realised they had been spotted and fled the scene on foot, leaving the vehicle full of the belongings behind.

“Police were notified and on arrival found the farmhouse on fire, with the farmer and his wife still inside. The Cloete couple were burnt beyond recognition,” Ledwaba explained.

The police acted swiftly after the incident was reported and two suspects were arrested on April 21. The search for the third suspect continues.

The case was postponed to June 30.

Fanie Havinga, representing farmers from Levubu and the grieving family, said: “We are here as concerned farmers to support the family. We are happy with the progress of the case, but we want to tell the court we will not allow a situation where the accused could be granted bail. The community does not want to see them and as farmers, we cannot guarantee their safety. People are angry.”