A 50-year-old farm owner has been arrested in Mookgophong following an assault investigation after a man caught fishing on the property died.
Police arrested the farm owner in connection with a grievous bodily harm incident that occurred on the property on Monday, November 9, The Citizen reported.
Two men from the Phomolong Section had trespassed onto the local farm with the intention of fishing at about 11:30 PM, according to police. The owner and his son discovered the pair and gave chase, managing to catch one man while the other fled.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the father and son allegedly assaulted the man they caught. The man who escaped later returned to his residence and informed the victim’s family about the confrontation.
“The other male reportedly fled in a different direction and later returned to his residence and informed the victim’s family about what had transpired at the farm and stated that he did not know the whereabouts of his friend,” Mashaba said to The Citizen.
Angered community members subsequently blocked the road to demand answers regarding the missing man’s whereabouts. Officers responded to the scene and informed residents that the Dog Unit had been called to assist with a search.
Police received a hospital call just as the K9 unit and Public Order Policing members arrived to begin the search. A male victim had been brought to the hospital by an unknown individual after reportedly being hit by a motor vehicle.
“The victim was allegedly reported to have been hit by a motor vehicle and subsequently passed away,” Mashaba said.
Authorities matched the description of the deceased to the missing man, calling off the search operation. The local police station opened an inquest case into the death.
Police subsequently arrested the farm owner in connection with the assault case on Wednesday, November 11. The suspect made his first appearance before the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 12.
“Currently, investigations are ongoing regarding the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death,” Mashaba said.
