Japie du Toit (60), a farmer from Laersdrif in Limpopo survived the fifth farm attack in less than a year on Monday June 8, 2015.
Du Toit and his wife, Christina (55), were attacked by six armed robbers in their home about 03:00 in the morning. “I have the flu and so my wife slept in the guest room for the night,” he told Maroela Media.
“I woke up of my wife’s anxious voice when three of the robbers walked into my room. They were armed and demanded money and firearms,” he said.
Du Toit handed the safe’s keys to the robbers where after they took R5 000 in cash, three rifles, a handgun and other household items. They then fled with Du Toit’s Toyota Hilux and Mercedes ML.
Col. Ronel Otto, police spokesperson, said one suspect, David Mokgetle (38), was later arrested in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Du Toit’s bakkie was also found there. Mokgetle have already appeared in court on a charge of burglary and is connected to several other crimes in Limpopo and Mamelodi.
“The Mercedes was found in Moloto Road in Pretoria after it collided with a bus,” she said. “The other five suspects are still at large.”
According to Du Toit he is already the third generation on the farm and have been farming full-time since 1975 with grain and livestock. The Du Toit’s have been the victims of a spate of attacks in the area for the last few months.
In September 2014 there was a burglary in the home when the couple was on holiday while someone was taking care of the house for them. In December 2014 there was a break-in into the office on the farm, and in January at Du Toits’ son’s house, about 400 meters from Du Toits’ house. In February, the couple was also detained during an armed robbery.
“My sons live with me on the farm and they will be the fourth generation. To be honest, we consider our options now. We already have all the places secured where they broke in and are working to significantly improve our security. But the long and the short, if we want to stay here, we will have to live in a prison. I grew up on this farm. We have not made a decision … but we are considering all our options.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
