The police in Kuruman have arrested three more suspects in connection with the murder of 81-year-old farmer, Hendrik Venter. This brings the total number of suspects in custody to four.
THE POLICE in Kuruman have arrested three more suspects in connection with the murder of 81-year-old farmer, Hendrik Venter. This brings the total number of suspects in custody to four, with ages ranging from 18 to 26. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the arrests follow an intense manhunt after Venter’s body was found on Friday, September 27, near the gate of a neighbouring farm between Kuruman and Hotazel.
He had left his farm that morning at approximately 8.30am to visit cattle posts and his body was discovered at around 9.45am next to his vehicle, with head wounds. An undisclosed amount of money was reported missing.
A swift response from the police initiated a 72-hour activation plan, deploying units from Kuruman, including K9, Visible Policing, Highway Patrol, Crime Intelligence, and the Local Criminal Record Centre. Later that day, at around 6pm, one suspect, a 25-year-old man, was apprehended near Hotazel while two others fled.
On Saturday, September 28, three suspects were tracked down and arrested in Hotazel at approximately 10.30am. Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola commended the officers for their quick action and perseverance in capturing the suspects.
Colonel Ehlers said the investigation is ongoing and the police urge anyone with additional information to contact Lieutenant-Colonel Gert du Plessis at 082 454 2942. All information will be treated confidentially.
