Picture: Five accused appear at Hartswater Magistrate’s Court for alleged triple murder
By OBAKENG MAJE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Northern Cape says it has a water-tight case against five accused regarding Hartswater triple farm murder. Donald Seolesang (20), Tshepo Visagie (36), Realeboga Manyedi (19), Kgomotso Mpumlwana (43) and Tshepaone Melato (19) were arrested following the abduction and murder of an elderly couple, Breggie (73) and Danie (83) Brand and their daughter, Elizabie (54) on Sunday.
The suspects briefly appeared at Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. According to the police, the suspects allegedly robbed the deceased their belongings like laptops and money on their farm before they fled the scene. They allegedly kidnapped Elizabie and dumped her body in Takaneng village near Taung.
The suspects were arrested by police in Pudimoe Township in Taung on N18 road while driving the SUV vehicle belonging to the deceased.
The NPA spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokwatsane said: “We have a water-tight case against the accused looking at the evidence that we have collected thus far. We do not want to speculate on the motive of this crime, but looking at the way things were, this is only crime. Probably, the motive might have been money because they took a car and laptops.
“The suspects do not have any relations with the victims and this might have been a crime where the suspects wanted to make a quick buck. A crime is crime and it does not have race or class. So, we do not see this as a farm attack and it is unfortunate that it happened to this family.”
The family spokesperson, Stephen Bennie described the ‘calamity’ as barbaric and unscrupulous. Bennie said it is difficult for the family to deal with the loss.
“It is very difficult for family members to face the accused. However, we said to them that it is very vital for them to face the accused. This will send a clear message to the accused that they will not win because what they did is inhumane. We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support we received from various community members and organisations.
“We also want to applaud the SAPS for their swift response. There is no funeral arrangement for the deceased yet, one of the family members went to the mortuary to identify their bodies,” he said.
Occupational and Safety manager at Vaalharts Landbou Verenig, Frederick Van Zyl shared the same sentiments. Van Zyl said they hope justice will prevail and they will be glad if the suspects rot in jail.
“Is very bad and sad for the family to look at the suspects and say these are the people who killed our sister, father, and mother. There is only thing that could ease the pain by seeing them going to jail. We would like to send our regards to the farming community and the police for assisting in arresting the suspects.
“We do not know the motive behind this heinous crime, but we hear that the suspects were looking for money. However, I ask myself that why they did not take money and belongings instead of killing them. Rural safety needs to be taken into consideration and we have learned a lesson from this incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, four suspects requested a representation from the legal aid attorney, while Mpumlwana will attain her own attorney. Magistrate Doctor Jameson postponed the case until 13 August 2020 and the suspects will remain in custody.
The Guardian 