The deceased, Teboho Machakela, was attacked on his farm outside Odendaalsrus on 19 August, by an unknown group of assailants. Up until now, his attackers have not been found. 

Didiza says Machakela’s death is a loss to all, but to the agriculture sector in particular. 

She calls on police to leave no stone unturned in making sure that the culprits are apprehended. 

The 37-year-old’s attackers allegedly escaped with roughly R 5000 in cash.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Hennenman police have swiftly arrested four people in connection with the recent murder of a 56-year-old Swartpan farm owner – Pieter Hills. Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says the suspects were arrested in the nearby Phomolong township less than 24 hours after the deceased and his 26-year-old injured son, Eddie, were found unresponsive by their domestic worker on 6 November 2020.

It has been reported the farm employee went in search of the victims after the deceased’s wife raised her concerns regarding her inability to get a hold of her family telephonically. The attack is believed to have occurred the night prior to the discovery.

“One of the suspects, aged 47, was found hanging in the police cell in the early hours of this morning (7 November). The other three, in their thirties, will appear in the Hennenman Magistrate's Court soon on charges of murder and house robbery,” says Makhele.

OFM News