DIRKIESDORP – A 35-year-old Swazi national will be appearing before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court today in connection with charges of murder and attempted murder.
The suspect’s appearance follows police’s swift action after he was nabbed for allegedly attacking an elderly couple, Mr Johannes van Zyl aged 84, together with her wife Charlotte (55). The incident occurred on Saturday at about 16:30, at the victims’ house situated at a farm in Dirkiesdorp near Piet Retief.
“Information at police disposal revealed that the victims were brutally attacked with crutches by the suspect, who is also believed to be their employee. Mr Van Zyl was found lying on the floor with serious injuries on his head and he was certified dead at the scene. His wife, Charlotte sustained serious injuries on her body and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment,” explained Sgt Gerald Sedibe spokesperson for the provincial police.
The reason for the attack is not yet known and police investigation is continuing.
