Malandela George Mbela is accused of robbing an elderly farmer, his wife, and daughter on their farm in the Buffelshoek area on Sunday morning (12/10). He made his first brief court appearance last Wednesday.

His arrest in Parys followed a swift response from law enforcement after a woman, who managed to escape, reported that a former employee on the farm had overpowered them and locked them inside a storeroom, said provincial police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh. The suspect allegedly assaulted the farmer before fleeing the scene in the couple’s Toyota Hilux bakkie.

Physical evidence was recovered from the scene and is undergoing forensic analysis. While the testing process may take some time, investigators believe it could potentially link the suspect to the crime scene, said Myburgh. 

“In 2024, there was also an attack on a game farm in the same area, where a 32-year-old man was killed,” added Myburg. 

“All the suspects in that case were arrested. 

Keep proper records

“This is now the second farm attack in two years, and in both cases, we managed to apprehend the suspects. As the police, we advise farmers to keep proper records when employing workers. 

“They should make copies of IDs or passports and ensure they know exactly who is working on the farm.” 

The farmer, along with his wife and daughter, was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. He was finally released from the hospital on Monday, 13 October.

The suspect was caught with 50 Mandrax tablets. Photo: Facebook

Meanwhile, a 21-year-old from Odendaalsrus is set to appear in court after she was found allegedly transporting drugs to an inmate awaiting trial. She was caught with 50 Mandrax tablets, estimated to be worth R3,000.

Welkom crime intelligence and the Welkom anti-gang unit acted on the information received and operationalised it. While following up, the alleged suspect was spotted on Weeber Street. 

Permission to conduct a search was requested and granted, and a thorough and private search of the suspect was then carried out.

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OFM News/Eva Molekane mvh