Farmer arrested for attempted murder

A FARMER from Bushy Vales was arrested last Friday and charged with attempted murder, the possession of unlicensed ammunition and the possession of an illegal teargas grenade.

“Mfanufikile Mhlalandlini (28) from Gcilima and two other men were walking home across farmland belonging to Guy Jones when Mr Jones (31) and an employee stopped and offered them a lift in their bakkie,” said police spokesman, Captain Gerald Mfeka.

“Mr Jones was reportedly driving recklessly and at a high speed and as a result one of men fell off the back of the vehicle. This was apparently communicated to the driver, who ignored the problem. When the second man managed to leap from the moving vehicle, Mr Jones brought the bakkie to a halt,” said Capt Mfeka.

Mr Mhlalandlini then alighted from the vehicle and attempted to flee. Mr Jones and his employee chased Mr Mhlalandlini, who claims he was caught and assaulted with stones. Margate police were informed of the incident and Constable Mlungisi Msomi went to investigate.

“When he arrived at the farm, Cst Msomi noticed that the gate was locked. The officer asked for the gate to be opened but Mr Jones refused. The officer then forced the gate open.

Mr Jones was arrested and during a search of his property, police found several empty cartridges and a number of firearms. While Mr Jones was able to produce licences for the firearms, he was not able to produce licences for the ammunition. More than 2000 rounds of ammunition and an illegal teargas grenade were also discovered during the search.

He appeared in Ramsgate Court on Monday and Tuesday on three counts of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed ammunition and the possession of an explosive device. He was released on bail of R10 000 and the case was postponed to October 21.

Mr Mhlalandlini suffered injuries to his arm and head. The other two men were not injured.