Limpopo farmer (72) in stable condition after brutal attack

A 72-year-old Limpopo farmer, Johan van Eck, is recovering after a violent attack at Carpe Diem Farm in Trichardtsdal on Saturday. He was admitted to Hoedspruit Private Hospital in critical condition and underwent nearly four hours of surgery to treat multiple stab and panga wounds, including a fractured C3 vertebra in his neck. Letaba Heraldreportsthat miraculously, major veins and nerves were unharmed, and his condition has since stabilised.

According to the police, Hoedspruit Farm Watch responded to a report of the attack at around 08:30 after a co-worker found Van Eck severely injured inside his home. Investigations revealed that Van Eck had returned to the farm around 08:00 to collect belongings after relocating to Hoedspruit. While in the bathroom, he was ambushed by two unknown assailants armed with pangas, a knife, and straps.

Maruleng Local Municipality FF Plus councillor Pieter Gerber said Van Eck tried to explain to the attackers that he only wanted to finalise his last responsibilities, but they began striking him while he was seated. Realising he had to fight for his life, he resisted fiercely. The suspects fled on foot after robbing him of approximately R2 500 in cash, intended for a personal employee with who Van Eck had a close relationship.

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Van Eck had prepared a farewell gift for the employee and arranged to meet him to load the final belongings and say goodbye. Emergency services, Hoedspruit and Ofcolaco Farm Watch, and the police responded quickly, following the suspects’ trail into Lorraine Village. However, operations were suspended due to heat, time delays, and heavy foot traffic.

The crime scene has been preserved for further investigation. The suspects are described only as one tall male and one shorter male; no clothing details are available. Gerber described the attack as ‘senseless’, with only cash taken. Police detectives, crime intelligence, and a tracking team are continuing efforts to trace the suspects.

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