Farmers rally around victim’s family
A thirty-strong crowd gathered outside the court to support the Shepherd family and persuade the court to escalate the case of murder and burglary to the high court.
The two men arrested for the attack and subsequent death of 80-year-old Simon Shepherd on his farm in Upper Tongaat, appeared for the second time in Umhlali Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, September 6. The case was postponed to September 29 with the potential of being escalated to high court in Durban.
A thirty-strong crowd gathered outside the court to support the Shepherd family and persuade the court to escalate the case of murder and burglary to the high court.
The brutal attack took place on June 19 when two men forcefully entered Shepherd’s home on Misty Ridge farm and beat him up while his wife, Joy, hid in a cupboard.
The attack left Shepherd with five broken ribs, a gash to the head and multiple wounds. He was admitted into ICU at Alberlito hospital for three weeks where he remained critical.
His condition deteriorated when he contracted a lung infection and had to be put into an induced coma and on a ventilator. He passed away from heart failure on July 12.
The news of Shepherd’s death sparked outraged among the farming community. Cranbrook farmer, Retha Evens said that people are unaware of how exposed farmers are to criminal acts.
“I have never experienced a break-in, but my neighbour was attacked a few months ago and he was also rather elderly. I know the Shepherd family and I am saddened by what happened to Simon. It is in times like this when we as farmers need to stand together,” said Evens.
Umhlali SAPS spokesperson, Vinny Pillay said the case is still under investigation.
“We are trying to build a solid case and that takes time,” said Pillay.
Simon’s son, Dave Shepherd said the family is still mourning Simon’s death but that he is happy with the progress of the investigation.
“The police seem to be doing a good job with the investigation and I am happy that the case might go to high court, that is what we want.”
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