Picture: Four firearms seized during arrest/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 November 2026 – The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha has applauded the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the swift arrest of five suspects in connection with a violent farm robbery and attempted murder case in Syferfontein, Ventersdorp. Sambatha said the police in Ventersdorp, arrested the five suspects after an intensive investigation into an incident that occurred on 28 October 2026.
“We congratulate the South African Police Service (SAPS), led by the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams on the swift arrest of the suspects linked to the violent attack on farmers. Their dedication and professionalism underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating crime and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“This sends a clear message that violence and criminality will not be tolerated. We urge the justice system to ensure that those responsible for this violent act receive sentences that reflect the seriousness and brutality of the offence committed,” he said.
Sambatha further said violence against any farmer or farm worker, irrespective of their race or background is an attack on the dignity of the people and the livelihoods of the farming communities and the agricultural sector’s contribution to food security, economic growth and job creation. He added that he strongly condemns all acts of violence and calls on communities, farming organisations, law enforcement agencies and all relevant stakeholders to work together to strengthen safety and security in the farming areas.
“We further call on all members of society to reject violence in all its forms and to unite in safeguarding farming communities as safe spaces that contribute to food security, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth. The department reiterates its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to promote the safety and security of farming communities and to protect the agricultural sector from all forms of criminal activity,” said Sambatha.
Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West shared the same sentiments.
MRM provincial convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they welcome the swift arrest of the suspects aged between 16 and 56, as well as the confiscation of clothing, jewellery and four firearms, two of which were allegedly used in the commission of the crime. Kgwele said the civil society led movement promoting Ubuntu, justice, fairness as well as peaceful co-existence, responsible freedom, the rule of law and democracy through its Charter of Positive Values condemned the attack on Donovan Marx (50), who was together with his farm worker brutally assaulted and severely tortured during the attack that took place on his farm in Syferfontein.
“Marx’s ears were reportedly cut off during the brutal torture after he was also shot and left bound. His farm worker raised the alarm after he managed to untie his hands as well as feet, to activate a frantic search for the attackers who had fled from the scene.
“Any attack on farmers represents a serious threat to food security. It also undermines the safety as well as peaceful co-existence that exist across most of our farming communities, hence we condemn any acts of criminality and violent crime targeting the agricultural value chain,” he highlighted.
In wishing Marx who is recuperating in hospital a speedy recovery, Kgwele applauded the investigating team under the command of Captain Bonita Dry, the SAPS Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, private security companies, farmers neighbourhood watch for ensuring that the culprits responsible for the heinous crime that put two lives at risk are apprehended. He said the use of technology is increasingly contributing to successful tracking of suspects involved in violent attacks and should be relied upon in prevention, he stressed.
“Heartless criminals should be behind bars or forever be on their backfoot, on the run as well as looking over their shoulders i.e. if our communities are to be safe and the war against violent crime is to be won.
“Intensified visible policing should be supported by vigilance across all farming communities particularly towards and during the festive season to prevent farm attacks. We caution against politicizing crime, mentioning that such unpatriotic actions are not only divisive, but short-sighted,” said Kgwele.
