Police in Mpumalanga are hot on the heels of the second suspect allegedly involved in a farm murder in Lydenburg on Sunday morning.

The 66-year-old Johan Nortjé was reportedly shot at point-blank range while his hands were in the air.

Members from the SAPS K9 Unit in Lydenburg followed up on details that led to a house in Springvalley on Monday.

They began searching for the suspects, and then suddenly two suspects driving in the alleged stolen bakkie reportedly drove past them.

Police gave chase, the bakkie stopped, and the two suspects jumped out and ran on foot with the police after them.

One of the suspects, a 36-year-old man, hid behind a shack and tried to overpower and grab a police officer’s firearms.

Police say another officer saw the struggle and after warning the suspect, a shot was fired at the suspect – wounding him in his leg.

#sapsMP Suspect (36) arrested at Spring Valley in Witbank in connection with a farm murder that occurred on 15 January 2023 at a farm in Badfontein near Lydenburg. Firearms, ammunition and a stolen bakkie recovered. #RuralSafety NP https://t.co/JaEj1Wy7M8 pic.twitter.com/7EEr6rMgqQ

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 17, 2023

He was ultimately arrested in connection with the murder and is currently recovering in hospital. His alleged accomplice did, however, manage to escape.

Suspect (36) arrested at Spring Valley in Witbank in connection with a farm murder that occurred on 15 January 2023 at a farm in Badfontein near Lydenburg. Firearms, ammunition and a stolen bakkie recovered. @MARIUSBROODRYK pic.twitter.com/AHeuwAR81o

— SA REPORTS 2 (@MambaBroodryk) January 17, 2023

The farm murder has wrapped the community of Lydenburg in shock.

On the fateful day Nortjé was about to go to work when he was approached by two armed male suspects on his farm Wilgekraal in the Badfontein Valley.

“They then allegedly went inside the house and found the farmer’s wife, Susan, who they allegedly assaulted and then tied up with rope. The suspects are said to have also taken the car keys of the said bakkie. It is further reported that the suspects robbed the victims of their mobile phones as well as some bank cards,” says Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

The suspects thereafter fled the scene.

Farmworkers realised something was wrong when they saw the bakkie speeding towards the R36 and they alerted a neighbour. He rushed to Nortje’s house where he untied the terrified woman.

Mohlala says the arrested suspect could be charged for the Lydenburg farm murder and robbery as the probe continues. The second suspect is still at large.

A rifle with its serial numbers filed off was also recovered by members of the police at the second suspect’s house.

“The investigation continues with the hope to arrest him,” Mohlala adds.

Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the success made and emphasised that the members all over the province are geared up to deal with crime.