Mr. John Viedge (79) was killed on his farm Highlands near Nqangarhu (Maclear) on Sunday morning 30 May 2021. Three men gained entry to the farmhouse by breaking down a sliding door. Mr. Viedge’s wife was also in the house, but was unharmed.
Although the police claim that robbery was presumably the motive behind the attack, the attackers fled without stealing a thing and they are still at large.
The efforts of SAPS investigator were rewarded when the farm murder accused received lengthy sentences during the Grahamstown High Court sitting on 17 August 2022.
On 30 May 2021 at about 04:30 the police were alerted about a farm attack at Highfields farm.
On the SAPS arrival, the farmer, Mr. John Viedge was found fatally wounded in his bed room with a gunshot wound to the chest.
His wife, who was also present during the shocking event narrated the incident to the SAPS.
Two suspects gained entry by cutting the security fence around the property and entered their home by breaking down a sliding door.
The suspects fired several gunshots towards the farmer and his wife, fatally wounding him.
His wife hid herself under the bed.
The suspects left empty handed.
Warrant Officer Mani and his team and Warrant Officer Mnqginya and his team managed to arrest one of the suspects the very next day.
Warrant Officer Mani took over the investigation which at times lead him to Gauteng.
An airtight and trial ready docket was presented to the Dpp and trial commenced on 17 August 2022.
The Accused, Zamile Mandlakazi, aged 25, from Vincent park Maclear, was convicted and sentenced as follows:
Murder: Life sentence
Robbery: 15 years and
Burglary residential: 8 years.
The Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo commended the meticulous and professional investigation by the investigating officer Warrant Officer Julius Mani.
Read: Maclear farm murder – nothing stolen – these farm attacks are not just ‘ordinary crime’
Read about more farm attacks here
