Cape Town – Police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt after a 74-year-old farmer and his wife were burnt beyond recognition when robbers attacked them and set their farmhouse alight.
In a statement, police said the attack occurred on a farm at Levubu, outside Thohoyandou on Wednesday.
“It is alleged that a passer-by noticed two strangers wandering in the premises. Apparently, the two, who were about to leave the premises in the vehicle belonging to the farmer, were disturbed and fled the scene on foot, leaving the vehicle full of items belonging to the farmer,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said.
Police were notified and on arrival reportedly found the farmhouse on fire with the farmer and his wife inside. The victims were burnt beyond recognition.
“A preliminary investigation indicated that the couple were “accosted” by the suspects who ransacked the farmhouse and took several items, including firearms, and loaded them into the family vehicle.
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“They apparently then set the house alight before leaving,” said Ledwaba.
Following the incident, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Thembi Hadebe said a 72-hour activation plan had been ordered to find the suspects.
“A Task Team comprising detectives from Provicial, District and Station levels has already been assembled to track down the killers. We therefore call on community members with information to come forward and assist the Police in the investigations of this horrendous crime,” said Hadebe.
Police have opened cases of two counts of murder, house robbery, and arson.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects is requested to contact the investigating officer Captain Mashudu Lesley Muneri on 082 469 1260, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
