This, as 20-year-old Meriam Mahlapa, 24-year-old Petrus Mahlapa, and 28-year-old Andries Mahlapa appeared in the Local Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for the murder of a well-known farmer, 71-year-old Sias Renier Willemse.

The case was postponed to 13 October 2020 for a formal bail application.  

According to police spokesperson, Adéle Myburgh, the trio was arrested in Ikageng on 28 September after police followed up on information about their whereabouts.  

OFM News previously reported that Willemse - who was well-known for his contribution in the province as a farmer and a sports lover - was found murdered at his home on 22 September. Willemse was allegedly found with two shotwounds to his throat and ties around his neck. He was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

Myburgh adds that the North West Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed that police “will continue to work hard to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book to face the full might of the law.”

OFM News