A 68-year-old farmer, identified by police as MG Richter, was murdered and his wife tortured in a farm attack at Dwaalboom near Thabazimbi this morning.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says attack happened on the farm Vygeboompoort where an unknown number of suspects entered the farmhouse at around 02:00.

The farmer was killed, and his wife burned with an unknown object before the robbers ransacked the house. They took two plasma TV screens, firearms and cellphones among other things and left the scene in the victims’ VW Amarok.

Later police received information about a possible stolen vehicle in Potgieter Street, Bela-Bela that matched the description of the one taken in the Dwaalboom farm attack.

A shoot-out ensued after police allegedly ordered the vehicle to stop and the suspects opted to shoot at them instead. In the process one of the suspects was killed and a second one injured and arrested on the scene.

Mojapelo says five firearms, including a toy gun, as well as other items matching the description of goods taken during the farm attack, were discovered in the vehicle.

Police investigations are underway to determine if additional suspects were involved in the attack.

Mojapelo says the suspects are believed to have been employed on the same farm.

Anyone with information can contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, Sergeant Masilo Makola on 071 601 5174 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

FARM ATTACK: 05/09/2022. Thabazimbi, NW. Farmer murdered and his wife tortured with a clothing iron. Vehicle and various items stolen. Suspects later involved in shootout with SAPS. 1 suspect killed. @afriforum pic.twitter.com/mtBHDfDoA8

— Jacques Broodryk (@JacquesBroodryk) September 6, 2022