FS police launch manhunt after farmer fights off two attackers
THE FREE State police are looking for two unknown suspects in connection with a farm attack where the farmer, Andries Smith Myburgh, 31, was set alight after being attacked at Vandermerwesdam on Monday.
The attack reportedly happened at about 1.45pm when Myburgh was busy having lunch at his farmhouse, which is situated in the Koffiefontein district.
Myburgh smelled smoke outside and it is believed that he was hit on the head with an object when he went outside to investigate, but he managed to push the attacker away.
Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele indicated that Myburgh was attacked with a knife by a second suspect and during the attack, petrol was poured on him.
“The victim managed to pull out his firearm and the suspects fled,” said Makhele. “He fired a number of shots in the direction of the suspects, and while firing he realised that he was on fire and jumped into the swimming pool.”
Myburgh reportedly did not suffer any serious injuries and was attended to by medical personnel.
It is believed that the two suspects fled on foot and Myburgh alerted the police and neighbours.
One suspect was identified as big, approximately 2m tall and was wearing green overall trousers and a light blue shirt. The other suspect was wearing a blue overall.
The suspects are not known to Myburgh.
