FICKSBURG -The Ficksburg police have arrested a farmer who is under police guard in the local hospital.

It's alleged that on Sunday, 08 January 2023 at about 18:30, the 56-year-old farmer was called by his neighbouring farmer in the District of Ficksburg complaining about his cattle which crossed over to his farm and damaged the fence. The farmer and his son (28) removed the cattle and he left his father behind. The suspect arrived and allegedly started assaulting the farmer who summoned his son. Upon his son's arrival he pulled his firearm and allegedly shot the son five times and the son fired one shot injuring the suspect. Both the farmer and his son drove back home where he immediately took his son with another vehicle to hospital. Unfortunately, the son succumbed to his injuries before they could arrive to local hospital.

The police found both victims along the R26 road near a filling station where the farmer and his son parked on side of the road. Police later traced the suspect and found him at a local hospital in Bethlehem and placed him under arrest. They also confiscated the 9mm pistol in his possession. Both firearms used by suspect and deceased have been seized. The suspect also opened a case of attempted murder.

The police are investigating the cases of murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The suspect will appear before the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court soon.

Source: South African Police Service