Suspects sought for double murder on a farm

25 April 2021

Police in Mpumalanga have launched a frantic manhunt following a heartless incident in which two people, a 56-year-old mother as well as her son aged 34, were murdered during a robbery. The sad incident occurred at a certain farm outside Nelspruit yesterday, Saturday 24 April 2021.

According to the report, the Emergency Services received a complaint around 18:30, about the incident at Valley farm and upon arrival, a male and a female were found lying motionless. The two seemed to have been hit with an object and unfortunately, they were certified dead at the scene. Police opened a murder case and preliminary investigation revealed that several items were stolen from the house hence an additional charge of robbery. A search for the suspects was immediately sanctioned. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.

The two victims were identified by the family as Anna-Marie Botha, and Rohn Britz,.

The police management in the province is concerned about the senseless killings that take place in the farming sector and have strongly condemned this incident. The management indicated that this unfortunate incident occurred during the time whilst the country is still in shock after two people were recently murdered in Piet Retief.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla, said that '' These killings in the farms should immediately stop because that sector is the one that gives a boost into our economy. Even during the hard Lockdown, the sector was allowed to continue working so that there is no shortage of food as well as other supplies. All relevant resources in terms of the 72 Activation Plan has been mobilised and a solid investigation team has been established to bring the perpetrators to book."

Police appeal to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to call the Branch Commander, Detective Colonel Ernest Maoka at 0823189843 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All information received will be treated as confidential.

Issued by Colonel Donald Mdhluli, South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Mpumalanga, 25 April 2021