A farm attack took place on Sunday 29 May 2022, on a smallholding at Melodie, Hartbeespoort, in the North West province of South Africa. The well known Comrades runner Vlam Pieterse (65) was very seriously assaulted and injured by three attackers.
Mr. Pieterse was alone at home busy watching TV on Sunday at around 13:30. He was attacked and tied up inside the house by three black males who had gained entry.
He was tortured by the attackers who assaulted and kicked him mercilessly over his whole body as they wanted him to open the safe.
The attackers eventually left only with the TV, a music system and his watch and wallet, leaving Mr. Pieterse for dead.
Mr. Pieterse lost consciousness but regained it later and managed to reach his son’s house which is situated about 50 meters away. His son did not hear anything happening during the attack.
He was was taken to the Kloof hospital in Pretoria.
He sustained various injuries to his back and ribs of which seven were broken.
Mr Pieterse ran the Comrades marathon 27 times and was known for “Vlam se Bus” a group of runners he led during the marathon.
Police are investigating but there have been no arrests.
Read about more farm attacks here
