The suspects, aged between 29 and 42, were arrested in the provinces of Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga last week after a joint operation by police officials. A firearm, magazine, and ammunition were retrieved during the arrests.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, said that an elderly couple was allegedly attacked and killed at night by an unknown number of suspects at their home in Immerpan Farm, Zebediela, outside Polokwane on August 19.

The suspects made off with two hunting rifles, a hand gun, and a revolver.

The family of 69-year-old Pieter van Zyl and 66-year-old Mathilda van Zyl discovered their bodies the next morning. Both their hands were tied and they had multiple gunshot wounds.

Ngoepe said one of those arrested, 42-year-old Zimbabwean Bhokodisa Vision, is a former employee of the Van Zyl family.

The other suspects, Mhlabane Bheki, 30, Mbuyane Mpho Panuel, 33, Nkosi Dumisani, 33, Shabane Ntando, 29, Mlazi Sfiso, 36, Phiri Nhlanhla Willis, 37, are also due to appear in court.

Police are still investigating.

Lieutenant General Nneke Jim Ledwaba, the Provincial Commissioner, said in a statement that the police’s work in cracking the case would hopefully reduce crime in the province.

News24