This follows after Horner’s body was found tied to a fence on the farm where he worked outside Paul Roux in 2020. The accused, Sekwetje Mahlamba and Sekola Matlaletsa, have both denied killing Horner and in July 2021 petitioned the Senekal Magistrate's Court's previous decision to deny them bail, after DNA results failed to prove their alleged involvement. They were consequently released on bail. The two face charges of robbery, murder, and stock theft following the alleged murder of Horner in October 2020.

South Africa's agricultural machinery sales have been robust for over a year now. Last month tractors sales of 856 units, up by 4% year-on-year, were the highest monthly volume since October 2014. This, while combined harvesters' sales of 45 units, up by 73% year-on-year, were the highest monthly sale since March 2014. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, says this placed the total tractor sales for the first ten months of this year at 6 238 units, up by 25% year-on-year. Combined harvesters' sales increased by 37% year-on-year over the same period, with 242 units sold. Sihlobo adds that the favourable weather outlook, prospects of a La Niña, and attractive grain prices are another catalyst for a potentially good season - with the farmers' intended area planting 4,34 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds.

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The Free State Department of Agriculture conveys its deepest condolences to the family of a man who tragically died after being attacked by a swarm of bees at Glen in the Free State. The departmental spokesperson, Zimasa Leputla, says that the 42-year-old Rulani Matobela was an engineer at the department and that he was dedicated to his work and very well versed within his department. Leputla says that the incident occurred late last week and that he will truly be missed by the department. MEC of the Department, Thembeni Nxangisa, further conveyed his condolences and said that Matobela's positive energy will be missed in the work environment. Furthermore, Nxangisa, alongside a team from the department, plans to visit Matobela's family Tuesday afternoon but appeals to the media to refrain from sensationalising the events leading to the passing of Matobela.

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