Seven in dock for farm torture death

A farmer, his wife, and five others appeared briefly in court in connection with the torture of three men at a farm.

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Rustenburg - A 48-year-old farmer, his wife, and five others appeared briefly in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with the torture of three men over a period of 12 hours at a farm in Stella, North West police said.

One of the victims died after the assault on Tuesday, while the two others were admitted to hospital in critical condition.

Captain Paul Ramaloko said Tigwinita Luwantu, 48, his wife, Lindiwe Mpathani, 39, and their friends Moipolai Mmastoki, 54, Lehula Kedibone, 37, Simphiwe Cele, 31, David Plaatjie, 43, and Thatafalo Kibane, 18, are charged with, among others, kidnapping, assault, and murder.

Their case was postponed to November 4 for a bail application.

Ten suspects were originally arrested in connection with the incident.

“Three were later released. Of the three released, one could not be positively linked while two are minors aged 14 and 16 respectively,” said Ramaloko.

He said the three men were accused of stealing sheep from Tigwinita’s farm in Soutpansfontein near Stella. Four farmworkers had assaulted them, and dragged them to the farmhouse where their torture ordeal, which took place between 11am and 11pm, started.

Tigwinita, his wife, and friend then assaulted the three with knobkerries and poured hot water over their bodies.

African News Agency

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