Farm attackers try to drown foreman in septic tank

A 77-year-old farm foreman survived a horror attack in which he was stabbed, tortured and forced into a septic tank, where he was pelted with stones.

Three attackers attempted to drown Simon Makhotha in the septic tank on a farm in the Zastron area of the Free State on Sunday night, Free State Agriculture (FSA) confirmed on Tuesday.

“The attackers gained access to the farmhouse after which Makhotha was tied up and tortured,” the organisation said.

“After the farmhouse was plundered, the attackers attempted to drown Makhotha in the septic tank. He was kicked throughout and pelted with stones in an attempt to keep his head under the sewage water.”

Makhotha survived the attack and freed himself. He was found the next morning and admitted to hospital.     

Free State police spokesperson Col Thandi Mbambo said the employee was asleep when two men entered the home through an unlocked door at around 8.30pm on Sunday.

Mbambo said the attackers hit the man on the arm with an iron rod and tied his hands with a rope.

“When they could not open the safe in the main house, they stole a solar panel, kitchen utensils and groceries before fleeing on foot.”

Mbambo said the stolen items were found in a nearby field.

“The victim managed to untie himself and seek help at a neighbouring farm. He is currently in hospital.”

No arrests have been made yet.

FSA regional safety representative Marthin de Kock said the farm belongs to an emerging black farmer. He said the attack had shocked the regional farming community.

“All people living and working on farms are exposed to the growing danger of crime in the rural areas,” De Kock said.

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