A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been registered. The motive of the attack remains unknown.

The victim reportedly left her residence to feed a horse at nearby stables when she was confronted by an unknown assailant on Tuesday (17/3) at around 16:30.

The suspect wore a balaclava and allegedly struck  Liani van der Berg (50)  from behind with a steel object, said North West police spokesperson Capt. Majang Skalkie. The victim fought back and managed to fend off the attacker, who fled the scene on foot.

She sustained injuries during the incident and was taken to a nearby hospital. She was later discharged on the same day. “No arrest has been made at this stage. Investigations are ongoing,” said Skalkie.

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. Dr Ryno Naidoo has condemned the attack, stressing crimes targeting farming communities remain a priority for law enforcement.

Liani van der Berg was repeatedly beaten with an iron pipe. Foto supplied

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Det. Sgt. Godiamang Dire of Coligny police on 082 416 3593, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app.

During the fourth quarter of 2025, ten murders on farms or small holdings were reported in North West, the same number as in the Free State, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. A further six attempted murders were reported in the Platinum Province.

Last year, North West farmer Mpho Munyai sought assistance from AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit six months after a violent attack on his farm, which he believes was an attempt on his life.

During the incident in the early hours of 9 January, several gunmen reportedly opened fire on Munyai’s farmhouse near Magaliesburg, shooting through bedroom windows. 

Son was critically injured

Although Munyai believed he was the intended target, his young son was critically injured during the shooting, said AfriForum communications manager Berry Bateman.

Munyai’s swift action in getting his son to the hospital is credited with saving the child’s life. Despite the collection of significant physical evidence and cell phone data allegedly pointing to suspects, no breakthrough had been reported in the case six months later.

The organisation had approached senior police officials in the province to seek updates and clarity on whether key information provided by Munyai had been acted upon.

Police investigations into the Coligny attack are continuing.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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