Van Zyl murder: Hundreds protest outside Mookgophong courthouse

LIMPOPO – Farmers and farm workers once again gathered for a peaceful protest against farm murders and attacks in South Africa, calling on government for help in combating this scourge.

Today, people from across the province gathered outside the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court where three men, accused of the murder of 79-year-old Alwyn van Zyl, appeared for their formal bail application.

The men, between the ages of 28 and 32, face charges of house robbery, attempted murder, murder, the possession of suspected stolen items and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Van Zyl was killed on Friday, 20 March, on his farm, Badseloop outside Mookgophong. He and his wife, Rene (66) were overpowered and tied up by four men. Rene untied herself and managed to run to the workers’ living quarters to call for help. However, Van Zyl succumbed to his injuries.

Three of the four suspects were arrested shortly after the attack and appeared in the local magistrate’s court. The case was postponed and  the suspect’s bail application was denied during their second court appearance.

Today, the case was postponed to 7 October due to a medical request by one of the accused. The accused remain in custody.

Boere en ander gemeenskapslede is in vreedsame betoging op pad na die Landdroshof in Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) waar die verdagtes in die moordsaak van Alwyn van Zyl (78) verskyn. #Limpopo pic.twitter.com/k9SmgsvZQh

— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) August 18, 2020

Convoys of trucks, tractors and bakkies could be seen parked alongside main roads leading into the town from the early hours of this morning. From there, they rallied together at designated points and made their way to the court.

The chairman of the Potgietersrus District Agricultural Union, Floris Booysen, thanked everyone who took part in the peaceful protest.

https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/438470/videos-plaasaanval-emosies-loop-hoog-buite-hof-in-polokwane/