Zebediela couple found murdered on their farm

It is alleged the couple were asleep when the suspects broke their bedroom door.


Police in Zebediela, outside Mokopane, have launched a massive manhunt for the unknown armed suspects who robbed and murdered an elderly couple on a farm.

The bodies of Piet van Zyl, 69, and his wife Tilla, 66, were found on their farm, Kalkpoort Game Farm, in the Immerpan area at about 09:00am on Sunday morning, Review Online reported.

This comes exactly one year and six days after Van Zyl’s arrest on allegations of illegal rhino horn trading on 14 August 2016.

Provincial spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said it is alleged the couple were asleep when the suspects broke the door of their bedroom and entered.

“The couple were held hostage at gunpoint, and the suspects ransacked the house.”

According to Ngoepe, during the incident the couple were then shot, and the suspects fled the scene.

 “Their bodies were discovered late this morning around 9:00 by a family member who informed the police.”

He confirmed that at this stage it is not clear what was taken during the robbery, and the suspects in this matter are still unknown.

No arrests have been made as yet and the police urge information with information which can lead to the arrest of the suspects, to contact Lt Col Sekanka at 082 565 8505.

Alternatively, they can contact their nearest police station, the 24-hour crime stop number at 0860010111 or the crime line SMS 32211.

Police investigations continue.

Caxton News Service

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