Police nab double murder suspect

Just 47 kilometres from Newcastle, Viv and Charlotte Viviers, as well as one of their family members, Eric Oosthuizen, were attacked at their home on October 20.

The family’s domestic worker came across a bound and injured Mr Viviers when she reported for duty on October 21. He apparently sustained stab wounds to his legs, and was burnt with plastic on his stomach.

Mrs Viviers’s body was allegedly found in the living room. Police later discovered Mr Oosthuizen’s body in an outbuilding. It was speculated the victims were strangled to death, as there were no physical injuries to their bodies.

Two suspects allegedly fled the scene in Mr Oosthuizen’s bakkie, which was later recovered in Madadeni. Two firearms and an undisclosed amount of money were also stolen during the onslaught.

Mrs Viviers and Mr Oosthuizen were laid to rest in separate funerals on October 31. Mr Viviers is reportedly recovering at a family residence in Newcastle.

One of the suspects implicated in the case was arrested, and appeared before Memel Magistrate’s Court on November 4.

As the suspect’s court date inched closer, several messages were circulated via social media. It was requested the community band together and show their unwavering support of the town’s fallen angels.

It was anticipated friends, family, farmers and residents from Newcastle, Memel and Zamani would make their presence known outside the courtroom. A source claimed the community was in agreement that the culprit should be denied bail.

The motive behind the double murder is unclear at this stage. However, the matter will remain the subject to police investigations.

The full report of the case will be made available online, and in next week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.