Provincial police spokesperson, Mmako Mophiring, said late on Sunday 8 January 2023, a 56-year-old farmer was called by his neighbour in the district of Ficksburg and complained about cattle which crossed over to his farm and damaged the fence. According to Mophiring, the 56-year-old farmer and his 28-year-old son removed the cattle and the older farmer stayed behind while his son left with the cattle. It’s alleged that the suspect allegedly started assaulting the farmer who then summoned his son.

“Upon the son's arrival, the neighbour allegedly pulled out his firearm and shot the son five times. The son allegedly fired one shot, injuring the suspect. Both the farmer and his son drove back home where he immediately took his son to hospital with another vehicle. Unfortunately, the son succumbed to his injuries before they could arrive at the local hospital.The police found both victims along the R26 road near a filling station where the farmer and his son parked on the side of the road. Police later traced the suspect and found him at a local hospital in Bethlehem and placed him under arrest,” says Mophiring.

Mophiring says a 9mm pistol was confiscated in the suspect's possession and both firearms used by the suspects and the deceased have been seized. He add that the suspect opened a case of attempted murder. Police are investigating the cases of murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He also adds that the suspect will appear before the Ficksburg Magistrate's Court soon.

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