The body of a 52-year-old man, Gideon Swart, who was brutally murdered was found on a farm on Friday in Emgwenya (formerly Waterval Boven).

A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, says according to the brother of the deceased, Reuben Swart, the victim was the owner of the farm on which his body had been found.

They had lived a few kilometres from each other. Swart became worried when he could not get hold of his brother since Thursday. He decided to pay him a visit on Friday morning and discovered the house wide open and his brother lying motionless outside.

“Reuben informed the authorities and the police as well as the emergency services, which went out to the scene. Upon arrival, the man was certified dead by the paramedics. The police opened a case of murder after observing that the victim had a belt tied around his legs,” Mdhluli says.

He says the preliminary investigation has revealed that the victim had stab wounds on his back and stomach. He also seemed to have been assaulted as his face was swollen. It was established that the victim’s car, a white Nissan 1400 bakkie, had been stolen, so a charge of robbery has been added.

“The police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Emgwenya branch commander, Detective Warrant Officer Raymond Mamaila on 072 023 1542, or to 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,” Mdhluli says.