The community of Memel was brought to a standstill after the well-known couple, Mr. Jaco and Bessie Maritz, were attacked by six suspects on their farm near Memel. The incident reportedly occurred just after 14:30. Thanks to quick and fast action from the farm workers, help was summoned immediately.
Farmers and the local SAPS were at the scene within minutes, while the suspects fled in Maritz’s Toyota Hilux bakkie and another, smaller vehicle, in the direction of Memel.
In the Main Street the smaller vehicle was forced off the road by a bakkie, and after a few shots four suspects were arrested. The other suspects were still on the run with the Toyota Hilux bakkie on the R34 road, but were trapped at a Stop-and- go roadworks and then they tried to flee on foot. One suspect was captured and another suspect is still at large.
The Maritz’s were unharmed. Mr. Maritz is a farmer in the area and a former scholar at the High School Vrede. Ms. Maritz managed her own accounting business in Memel.
Memel police confirmed the arrests. All stolen items have also been recovered
Source – Memel Record / Vrede Records
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