Husband and wife killed in Normandien farm attack

A husband and wife were shot and killed last night (August 29), during a farm attack in the Normandien area.

According to official sources, Glen and Vida Rafferty returned home to their farm at around 10.30pm last night, where they were overpowered and slain by a group of attackers at the entrance to the property. The attackers then fled the scene in the couple’s vehicle. It is believed the Rafferty’s dog was also shot.

The vehicle has since been abandoned on the N11 between Newcastle and Ladysmith – forensic teams are currently on scene taking fingerprints and collecting data in hopes that the attackers can be traced.

Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba has said he is ‘saddened and shocked by the unprovoked killing’ of local couple, Glen and Vida Rafferty at their farm in the Normandien area.

“I condemn this gruesome atrocity and I am calling upon law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators as soon as possible!”

Cllr Mahlaba described the Rafferty’s as ‘progressive people who cared deeply for the community of Newcastle’.

“They were both affectionately loved and admired for their contribution towards the betterment of our society. Glen and Vida understood the culture and tradition of our municipality. Their untimely deaths are a huge loss for our community, and the farming fraternity in particular.”

He added that the killing of farmers and their workers should be denounced with the contempt that it deserves at all times.

“I urge anyone with information which might lead to the arrest of the suspects, to contact their nearest police station immediately,” he pleaded.

Cllr Mahlaba further implored farmers and farm workers to be extra vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police.

Newcastle Mayor, Cllr Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba has condemned the killings and called for law enforcement to apprehend the suspects as soon as possible.