(Update): Post mortem reveals that Newcastle farmer was shot twice
A post-mortem which was conducted on Tuesday, June 18, showed two bullet entrance wounds and two bullet exit wounds to Nel’s chest and back.
Hundreds of wooden white crosses stood tall and proud along the route to the memorial service hosted for Newcastle farmer, Tollie Nel, on Saturday, June 22.
Besides representing a call to police and government to prioritise farm attacks and farm murders, the crosses also stood as a symbol of solidarity among local farmers.
Nel (63), an accomplished farmer and respected businessman, was shot dead on June 13, during a farm attack at his residence on Krommellenboog Farm, along the R34 between Newcastle and Utrecht.
First responders told the Northern Natal News it appears that the five armed men entered Nel’s house through the home office adjoining the kitchen.
They then went from the kitchen to the lounge, where Nel and his family were watching television, and demanded money and weapons.
Officers who attended the scene stated that the attackers shot Nel before fleeing on foot with a handgun which belonged to Nel’s son, as well as four more firearms which belonged to Nel.
After the incident was reported, a manhunt for the killers ensued with police officers, farmers, friends of the family, and various security agencies joining hands in an effort to bring the perpetrators to book.
Initial reports that Nel was shot four times in the abdomen and once in the head proved to be untrue.
A post-mortem which was conducted on Tuesday, June 18, showed two bullet entrance wounds and two bullet exit wounds to Nel’s chest and back.
Investigating officer, Warrant Officer Bushy Badenhorst, of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit based in Vryheid, confirmed that Nel was shot twice in the upper abdomen.
The injury Nel sustained to the head appears to have been inflicted when he fell and is not another gunshot wound, as was previously reported.
Badenhorst urges anyone who can assist the investigation with information regarding the murder of Tollie Nel, to contact him on 079 491 8138.
Agricultural organisation TLU SA (Transvaal Agricultural Union South Africa) expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal murder.
In a media statement the organisation issued last week, TLU SA stated that this heinous act is a tragic addition to the alarming rise in farm attacks and murders that have plagued South Africa over the past two weeks.
According to TLU SA, from May 31 to June 14, 2024, there were 15 farm attacks and seven murders in South Africa. Between January to May 2024, there were a total of 60 farm attacks and nine farm murders.
“Farmers are the backbone of our country’s agricultural sector, and their safety is of utmost importance,” said Bennie van Zyl, CEO of TLU SA. “It is imperative that the new government publicly declares its commitment to addressing this crisis and fulfills its statutory responsibility to protect the lives and livelihoods of our farmers. TLU SA demands a clear and actionable plan to ensure the safety and security of those living and working in rural areas.”
“TLU SA stands ready to collaborate with the government to develop and implement effective measures to combat farm violence,” concluded Van Zyl.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
