A reward of R20 000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of eight suspects who assaulted a security guard on Greyvan Farm in Komatipoort on Sunday (July 5), reports Lowvelder.

CCTV footage shows five of the eight armed individuals repeatedly striking Fanuel Tivane (63) with a firearm before kicking and beating him. After the assault, the assailants dragged Tivane to the farm’s banana packhouse, where they tied him up before fleeing the scene.

Ian de Nysschen, the spokesperson for the farm, said Tivane suffered several broken ribs and multiple head wounds that required stitches.

Field Security assistant manager Riaan van Rhyn explained that during the incident, another security guard heard gunshots and hid before alerting the SAPS and the security company.

“The suspects gained access to the property by using bolt cutters to cut through chains,” he said.

De Nysschen confirmed that a 9mm cartridge case and bolt cutters were recovered on the scene.

The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects fled with aluminium lights.

Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying and locating the suspects.

Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Vincent Mashaba, on 082 449 0272. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stop or via the My SAPS app.

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