Four suspects due to appear in court facing two counts of murder and assault allegations

NELSPRUIT – Four suspects, aged between 25 and 53, are due to appear before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 April 2021. The men are facing two counts of murder after two men were reportedly shot and killed at a certain farm in Dirkieskop yesterday, Friday 09 April 2021. They (suspects) are alleged to have also assaulted another man hence a third count of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm has been added against them.

Their court appearance spiral from an incident in which, the suspects are said to have gone to the farm owner to seek employment as seasonal workers. It is said that the farm owner informed these men that they are not welcome on his premises. It is said that those who came to ask for employment then decided to leave the farm but later realised that one of them was left behind. They then went back only to find that he was kept at the farm by the suspects.

It is said that as the men demanded that they let him go, a scuffle broke out during which two men were reportedly shot and died at the scene. Three other men are said to have also sustained serious injuries.

Police were informed about the incident and upon arrival, they found the two groups and two lifeless bodies. They (police) opened a case accordingly and immediately began their investigation where the four suspects were arrested. Two firearms were also confiscated and they will form part of the investigation.

The police management in the province has strongly condemned the incident and has since called for calm. They made a plea to members of the public to refrain from using violence in resolving issues. A team of experts has already been established to investigate the case. Police has also asked members of the community to allow space for the law to take its course.

Source: South African Police Service

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