Police hunt for six attackers after Bronkhorstspruit farm couple tortured

Police have launched a manhunt for six men who reportedly attacked and tortured a couple at their Bronkhorstspruit farm in the east of Pretoria on Sunday.

The group gained access to the couple’s farm, surprising 65-year-old Waldi van Wyk who was working in his workshop.

The group assaulted Waldi and his wife Cynthia with tools from their workshop, demanding money. The men used a grinder on Waldi’s leg to torture him, before tying the pair up.

Family spokesperson Vasti Mills said both Waldi and Cynthia sustained injuries during the attack and were taken to hospital.

“Cynthia had a good night [at the hospital]. She might come home today,” said Mills.

“Waldi’s spleen was removed yesterday and the injuries to his pancreas should heal. He is stabilising, but still critical.

“He also suffered skull and facial fractures and was expected to go for a brain scan,” said Mills.

“The attackers then took electrical appliances goods, jewellery, two firearms, a bakkie and cash before fleeing.”

Police are searching for a white stolen single cab Toyota Hilux with registration number YSH 728 GP.

In the meantime, Adrian Roos, the head of the DA’s Gauteng Court Watching Briefs unit, has called for “urgent action” to be taken.

“While SAPS patrol vehicles sit in the government garage for months, communities are forced to do their own patrols,” said Roos.

“Despite farmers and rural communities facing four times higher risk of attack than other citizens, police minister Bheki Cele has refused to classify farm attacks and murders as a priority crime and allocate the necessary resources to ensure that SAPS rural safety patrols are operational.

“It is now time for the President to also acknowledge the perpetual fear and danger that our rural communities live and work in,” he said.

Police have opened a case of house robbery for investigation and are searching for suspects.

They appealed to anyone who might have information that could help in the investigation to call their nearest police station or contact the Bronkhorstspruit police station on 013-932-9222 or 013-932-9250 or 071-612-1937.