The community of Laingsburg, South Africa, is deeply shocked by the murder of a well-known farmer in the region, Daniel van Wyk (57).
Two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the murder after one of the farmer’s guns was found in a home in Bergsig.
Van Wyk’s body was found on Sunday night July 5, 2015, at his home on the farm Viskuil, 8 km outside the town.
Bertie van As, a farmer in the region and deputy mayor of Laingsburg, said it is suspected that Van Wyk was killed during the week.
Van Wyk, a retired farmer, lived alone on the farm.
Attie Stadler, also a farmer in the area, found Van Wyk’s body on Sunday night. They knew each other for 50 years and were together at school. Van Wyk asked Stadler during the week if he could take him to town. He was not able due to other commitments.
They called each other regularly. Sunday night he became concerned when he heard nothing from Van Wyk after trying to get hold of him a number of times. He went to the farm at 19:00.
At the farmhouse, he saw that the security door was open.
He rushed to town and informed the police. After the police arrived, they noticed there was blood on the back porch.
Stadler, who gained access to the house through a window, saw that a safe that was attached to a wall in a bedroom was removed. It was later found outside the house.
He found Van Wyk’s body in the kitchen.
Capt. Bernadine Steyn, police spokesperson, said Van Wyk’s body was found with two open wounds on his head and on his chest, allegedly sustained by a blunt object.
Van Wyk was apparently overpowered outside the house and severely beaten.
After the killers had stolen firearms, including a gun, Van Wyk probably locked himself in the house.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
