Free State farmer Andries Smith Myburgh survived the most horrific ordeal on his Vandermerwesdam farm in Koffiefontein, on Monday.
Free State farmer survives nightmare robbery
According to Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, Myburgh would have not lived to share his account of what happened to him at his farmhouse, were it not for his quick reactions in such a high-stress situation.
In a statement released by police, it’s said that the 31-year-old farmer was enjoying a quiet lunch at his farmhouse, at approximately 13:45 on Monday, when suddenly, he was alerted by the smell of smoke coming from outside.
Instinctively, he went out to investigate but what he didn’t know is, he had bitten the bait.
“He went to investigate and was hit with an object on the head but managed to push the suspect away. He was allegedly attacked with a knife by the second suspect and in the process, he was poured with petrol,” Brig. Makhele revealed.
Latest updates on the suspects
In a split-second, Myburgh’s afternoon went from serene to a fight for survival. The Free State farmer was on the brink of being torched alive when he quickly pulled out his firearm and spooked the two suspects.
Multiple shots were fired in the direction of the robbers who, at this point, had bailed on the robbery attempt.
“He fired a number of shots in the direction of the suspects and whilst firing he realised that he is on fire and he jumped into the swimming pool. The two suspects fled on foot. The complainant alerted the police and neighbours,” the police noted.
The suspects are still at large and all police have on them is that one is ” big approximately 2m tall wearing green overall trousers and a light blue shirt,” and his co-conspirator had blue overalls.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Free State becomes the stage for possible violence
The news of Myburgh’s encounter on his farm comes two days ahead of the most-talked-about court case involving the death of 22-year-old farm manager Brendin Horner.
More than the actual merits of the case that will be the subject of proceedings, attention has been brought onto the tensions that are expected outside the Senekal Magistrate’s Court after EFF leader Julius Malema confirmed that his battalion would be present to defend law and order against rioters who orchestrated the violence that was witnessed last week.
Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed, however, that a task force has been assembled to ensure that any picketing that breaks out is controlled and non-violent.
