Farm attack averted

PAULPIETERSBURG farmer, Arno Engelbrecht, was nearly the victim of a farm attack last Thursday.

Asked to describe his experience, Mr Engelbrecht said, “It was 10.15am, I was making myself breakfast when I heard my gardener screaming like crazy,” recalls Mr Engelbrecht.

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The gardener, who was busy tending to plants just outside the house, looked up to see why the dog was growling persistently. It was then that she spotted five men in balaclavas making their way toward the house.

Calling at the top of her lungs, “Abantu!” she then began running toward the back of the house.

“There were farm labourers working in a shed behind the house. When they heard her screaming they ran toward her. When they realised what the danger was, they took one of the vehicles and drove off to get help. I locked the gardener, my domestic helper and myself inside the house and activated the alarm,” said Mr Engelbrecht.

Mr Engelbrecht’s neighbours arrived within minutes and it wasn’t long before a full scale manhunt began.

“There were hundreds of people who responded, coming from as far out as Wakkerstroom. We have a Farm Watch and an extensive safety plan, so the search was very organised, with air support, police dogs, and people combing the area looking for the criminals.

“We still live in a great community, where black and white came together to help. I must commend the station commander of Paulpietersburg SAPS, Captain Ndlovu, who, himself, walked through the thickest bushes and through fields of blackjacks to help with the search. I want to thank everybody for not being selfish. It is a blessing to live in a community like we live in.”

It is believed that cryptographic signs found near the site indicate that the attack was premeditated but averted.
No arrests have yet been made, but members of SAPS and Farm Watch remain on high alert.