A 48-year-old farmer, his wife, and five others appeared briefly in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with the torture of three men over a period of 12 hours at a farm in Stella, North West police said.

One of the victims died after the assault on Tuesday, while the two others were admitted to hospital in critical condition.

Captain Paul Ramaloko said Tigwinita Luwantu, 48, his wife, Lindiwe Mpathani, 39, and their friends Moipolai Mmastoki, 54, Lehula Kedibone, 37, Simphiwe Cele, 31, David Plaatjie, 43, and Thatafalo Kibane, 18, are charged with, among others, kidnapping, assault, and murder.

Their case was postponed to November 4 for a bail application.

Ten suspects were originally arrested in connection with the incident.

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