Ventersdorp, North West – One of two men accused of murdering a Ventersdorp farmer appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, North West police said.

“Only one man appeared, the one who was arrested on Sunday. They are jointly appearing in court on Friday, with the 22-year-old remanded in custody,” said Brigadier Thulani Ngubane.

The 22-year-old and the second accused, a 21-year-old man, allegedly attacked the 67-year-old farmer outside his farmhouse on Sunday morning.

He was struck over the head and dragged into the house. The attackers then found his 64-year-old wife and attacked her. It was believed they also raped her.

The men tied her up and fled with two cellphones. She managed to free herself and found help on a neighbouring farm.

The farmer died on the scene. His wife was recovering in hospital in Klerksdorp.

The 22-year-old was arrested on Sunday night around 11pm following a tip-off. The 21-year-old was arrested on Tuesday in Khuma township near Klerksdorp around 9.15am. – Sapa