Police have rescued a 72-year-old female farmer and arrested two suspects following a violent attack and kidnapping in the Bultfontein area.
The incident began on Friday afternoon. According to police, the victim was allegedly assaulted at her farm by a 33-year-old former employee, who reportedly struck her with a garden spade, rendering her unconscious.
The suspect then placed the victim into her own vehicle and drove it to a secluded location on the farm road connecting Bultfontein and Hoopstad.
The victim was discovered early Saturday morning due to the vigilance of a police member. The officer initially noticed a stationary vehicle but continued his journey. Upon returning later that same day and finding the vehicle unmoved, he investigated.
He found the 72-year-old victim still unconscious inside. Police and emergency medical services were immediately alerted. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for urgent care and has since been discharged to recover at home.
A swift preliminary investigation led to two arrests. The primary suspect, the 33-year-old former employee, was arrested and faces possible charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. A second male suspect was apprehended after being found in possession of the victim’s property.
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in the Bultfontein Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of house robbery, with additional charges expected.