Worker murdered and over 60 goats stolen in Limpopo farm attack

Quick read

• Two men, aged 30 and 31, were arrested by Masisi police on Sunday in connection with a deadly farm attack and large-scale livestock theft in Tshivaloni village, Niani.

• The incident occurred last Wednesday around 03:00, when 23-year-old farmworker Evens Chauke was shot and killed.

• Police found Chauke’s body in a pool of blood outside a farmhouse. His hands and legs had been tied, and he had been shot in the stomach.

• Over 30 goats and a generator were stolen, although the farm owner, Rufus Matibe, claims the loss included more than 60 goats and several household items.

• Matibe condemned the brutal killing and warned that continued attacks could threaten food security and economic stability in the area.

Full story

LIMPOPO – Two men, aged 30 and 31, were arrested by Masisi police in the early hours of Sunday in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old farm worker and large-scale theft at Matibe farm in Tshivaloni village, located in the Niani area.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours last Wednesday, at around 03:00.

According to Vhembe police spokesperson WO Vuledzani Dathi, the suspects were to appear in the Masisi Periodical Court on Monday.

He confirmed that more arrests are expected, as police investigations are ongoing. “It is alleged that police were alerted by a local headman about a shooting at the farm. Upon arrival, officers found the body of the deceased, Evens Chauke (23), in a pool of blood outside a house on the farm,” Dathi confirmed.

Chauke had sustained a bullet wound to the stomach, and investigators discovered that over 30 goats and a generator had been stolen during the incident.

Farm owner Rufus Matibe, however, claimed the theft was even more extensive.

“It wasn’t just livestock. More than 60 goats and various household goods were taken. This is the darkest day of my life. If this continues, it threatens not only my livelihood but also food security and economic stability in the greater Niani area,” he said.

He condemned the brutality of the crime. “The young man’s hands and legs were tied. He was defenceless, and they still shot him. This is cowardly and inhumane.”

Local resident Margaret Mudau voiced concern over the rising wave of stock theft and violence. “This isn’t the first case. Many villages in the Niani region are struggling with livestock theft, and sadly, many of the culprits are never brought to justice.”

Dathi reiterated the police’s commitment to bringing all responsible to book, assuring the public that investigations are continuing.