Categories: South Africa

Name of 80-year-old farmer shot dead by police released

The name of an elderly man killed in a shoot-out on Monday between an elderly farmer and police in the Bergville area in KwaZulu-Natal, has been made public.

Heavily armed police officers, together with an SAPS hostage negotiator, had entered the farm just outside the Bergville, Geluksburg, area. The farmer allegedly opened fire on police, who dived for cover. A shoot-out between the officers and the 80-year-old farmer ensued. He was shot dead. Police said they were forced to defend themselves.

According to Maroela Media, the man was identified by family members as Johannes Potgieter.

It is believed that a local had entered the farm just before 11am to recover goats allegedly illegally confiscated by the 80-year-old farmer. The farmer opened fire on the man, shooting him in the face.

The victim was rushed to hospital and police were called to the scene.

Police are still investigating a case of attempted murder, and the injured local man is still recovering in hospital.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.

Published by
By Citizen Reporter
Read more on these topics: farmershootout