The two men arrested for the attack on Upper Tongaat farmer Simon Shepherd last month are due to appear in Umhlali court today ( July 12).

Two intruders broke into his Misty Ridge home on June 19 and beat him up while his wife, Joy, hid in the wardrobe.

The attack left the 80-year-old farmer with five broken ribs, a gash to the head and multiple wounds.

After weeks of being in ICU, Shepherds condition worsened when he contracted a lung infection.

“My dad was recovering well, he was even moved out of ICU for a day.

“We were informed on Thursday night, July 7 that he had to be moved back to ICU because he was struggling to breathe. He is now in an induced coma and on a ventilator,” said his son, David.

The Umhlali detective handling the case, constable Sidusiso Nkwanyana said that in light of Shepherd’s current condition, he will oppose bail.

“We asked the family to bring us Simons’s medical records.

“What they allegedly did to the man was horrible and the community needs to be kept safe from people like this.

“They will be appealing for bail in front of the magistrate and I will be opposing.

“Ultimately the decision lies with the magistrate but I do have a strong case, especially with Simon’s recent set back,” said const Nkwanyana.

The two men were arrested on June 23 and June 25.

David said that although his father’s condition does not look good, the family hoped that the fighter would pull through.

“He has already overcome so much and we pray that we will get through this recent setback,” he said.

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