Farm attack, robbery and attempted rape

Northam – Two African male suspects, aged 32 and 35, appeared before the Northam Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 12 June 2024, on charges of house robbery and attempted rape.

The incident occurred on Nooitgedacht Farm in the Northam policing area on Saturday 8 June 2024. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday 11 June 2024 following the horrific incident.

According to reports, the house owner was asleep with all doors closed and locked when she heard footsteps approaching her bedroom. 
To her shock, she recognised one of the intruders as her gardener, who demanded money. The gardener then left briefly, returning with an axe, a knife, and a shifting spanner, threatening to rape her if she did not comply. The suspects robbed the victim of three laptops, a tablet, and two cellphones before fleeing the scene.

The police were notified promptly and successfully traced and arrested both suspects. Some of the stolen items were recovered.

Lieutenant general Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, commended the swift arrest and praised the investigation team for their relentless efforts in ensuring the suspects were brought to justice.

The suspects are set to reappear before the Northam Magistrates’ Court on charges of house robbery and attempted rape. Police investigations are ongoing.