Another Free State farm killing: Man found bound, stabbed

The Viljoenskroon farming community in Free State is waking up to tragedy on Monday, 26 October 2020, following yet another gruesome killing of a farmer in the province – coincidentally on the same day scores of people in the sector flooded the streets of Cape Town, calling for an end to the scourge.

Dave Wessels, a 66-year-old man was found dead in his bedroom on the morning of Sunday, 25 October, in a suspected murder-robbery. It remains unclear when the horrific scene played out, however the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province claim Wessels had not been seen since morning.

Body discovered by neighbour

It was the man’s neighbour who made the grisly discovery – a complete bloodbath, which would unsettle even the most seasoned of law enforcement. The neighbour had grown concerned by the lack of activity at Wessels’ Avondster plot, which prompted them to check on him.

“When he arrived at the house, he discovered that the bedroom window was open and the burglar bars were broken. He looked through the window and noticed blood stains on the walls and notified the police,”

Provincial SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele

“On arrival, the police found the 66-year-old deceased on the bed covered in sheets”

The man, who had been staying alone, was found tied with an electrical cord and had multiple stab wounds to the head.

The perpetrators are believed to have fled the scene with his R260 000 Toyota Hilux.

An investigation is currently underway to find the suspects and also determine the circumstances which led to the crime.

“A case of murder and house robbery has been opened. Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Sergeant Eric Tumelo Xaba on 081 354 4765 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111, alternatively send information via My SAPS App,” Makhele further said.

This is the latest farm killing to rock the province, following the murder of Brendin Horner, a 21-year-old farm manager whose death in Senekal turned the town on its head and led to scenes of chaos.

Horner’s lifeless body was found tied to a pole in the beginning of October, with multiple stab wounds, on a farm outside Paul Roux.

Two suspects, Sekola Matlaletsa and Sekwetje Mahlamba, have already been arrested for his killing and the matter is currently being heard in court.