Gruesome murder in Ventersdorp

4 July 2012

On Sunday 1  July 2012 at about 08:00 a farmer, Wilhelmina Du Toit  staying at at Klippan farm, summoned  Ventersdorp police  reporting a badly beaten man found near her pig sty. On arrival the police came across an ambulance driving away with a 52 year old Frans Modisa who was working at the Du Toit  farm. It is alleged that the victim was assaulted and had sustained serious injuries.  The Police stopped the ambulance to confirm the injuries, and the state of his health. The victim was badly injured that he was unable speak with severe head and arm injuries.

The farmer also reported another case of theft when she informed the police that her pig was stolen and she knew the suspects as the tracks of the wheel barrow led to the suspect's house from the farmers pig sty. Police went to the suspect's neighbour and found a pig carcass at the outside shack covered with a rack. Two suspects were arrested. They were also questioned about the murder of a 52 year old farm worker. The farm worker passed away on Monday 2 July 2012 in hospital.

After the farm workers death an initial case of Assault with Grievously Bodily Harm was converted to Murder.  The two suspects, Elias Motshwaiwa (23) and his co accused Paul Moloto (21) appeared yesterday, 3 July 2012 in the Ventersdorp Magistrates Court on charges of Stock theft. They were denied bail to allow Police to do further investigation. They will appear again on 9 July 2012 at Ventersdorp Magistrate Court. At the moment it is still unknown who assaulted the deceased. Police questioned the farm owner and the investigation into the brutal murder of the farm worker continues. The Police would like to call on anyone who has information on the murder of Mr. Frans Modisa.

In another incident in Ventersdorp on 3 July 2012 at about 00:15, a 49 year woman and her husband, aged 69 years, were under the influence of liquor when they had an argument.  During the early hours of the morning the suspect called his neighbour to his place. On his arrival, the neigbour found the suspect's wife being assaulted. An ambulance was called and the victim was certified dead by the Emergency Medical Services.  She had bruises on her forehead. The suspect allegedly assaulted his wife with a belt. The suspect was arrested and will appear in court on 5 July 2012.

Statement issued by Brig Thulani Ngubane North West Provincial Head: Corporate Communication, July4 2012

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