Police are searching for five suspects responsible for the murder of a 62-year-old woman during a farm attack on Monday evening.
The victim, Heila Killian, was attending a braai on a farm two kilometers outside of Still Bay, she was being hosted by the owner of the farm who also operates a coffee shop and nursery the premesis.
According to a TimesLIVE report, the preliminary investigation, along with witness reports, reveal that the owner of Gezania Nursery and three other friends were enjoying a braai in the garden behind the owner’s home when they were accosted by five armed suspects. The suspects were wearing balaclavas to cover their faces, and orange overall-type trousers.
The men opened fire without warning, resulting in Killian’s death.
Two of the male guests were overpowered and handcuffed by the assailants while another female victim managed to flee into the bushes surrounding the house. She subsequently raised the alarm at a neighbouring farm.
Meanwhile, the suspects entered the house, broke open the safe, and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as a collection of firearms including a shotgun, two rifles, a handgun – and a collection of hunting knives.
The suspects fled the scene in the owner’s white Toyota Hilux – the registration number is CCC 12419.
Southern Cape Police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, requested that anyone with information regarding the incident or suspects contact the investigating officer‚ Detective Sergeant Ludwig Schnetler‚ at 079 894 1593 or 028-754-6100‚ or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be dealt with confidentially.
According to Africa Check, people living and working on farms in South Africa frequently make local and international headlines. This year, the data base released statistics on how many farm murders and attacks have occurred from 2001-2017.
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