The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, told OFM News that the suspects abandoned their bail application, which led to the case being postponed to 14 September 2022, for further investigations. The victims will therefore remain in custody.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson in the Office of the Premier, Palesa Chubisi, told OFM News that Premier Sisi Ntombela was in court to show her support to the families of the victims.

OFM News previously reported that the case of the two suspects arrested for the Lismor farm murders outside Kestell has been postponed to Wednesday.

ALSO READ: #KestellFarmMurder: Court case postponed

Chubisi told OFM News the Free State Provincial Government will visit the families of the Lismor Farm murder victims on Wednesday. Premier Sisi Ntombela will be accompanied by the entire Executive Council.
 
OFM News previously reported Ntombela stated that she hopes the suspects will get the harshest punishment once they have been convicted.

The victims of this farm murder outside Kestell have in the meantime been identified. SAPS spokesperson Motantsi Makhele said two victims were family members of the farm owner. The 17-year-old male was identified as Rudi Smith, the farm owner’s stepson, and the owner’s wife was identified as the 55-year-old Binto Smith.

The other five victims were female workers at the farm. They have been identified as Nokufa Portia Monareng (30), Lerato Julia Moloi (33), Mothoduwa Paulina Moloi (36), Nomasontsha Topsy Maduna (43), and Nomasonto Christina Zulu (56).

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi and Nomathamsanqa Mboyisi