Howick farmer killed in brutal home invasion

South Africa: Farm Murder Latest: Howick farmer killed in brutal home invasion

A 50-year-old Howick forester was stabbed and killed in a farm murder in the early hours of Friday morning. Suspects fled in his bakkie.

 by Lyse Comins

in News

Armed robbers brutally murdered a Howick farmer in his home during the early hours of Friday morning in the latest of a spate of farm murders in KwaZulu-Natal.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said the 50-year-old farmer, Trevor Murphy, was stabbed and killed when a gang of armed robbers forced their way into his home.  

“It is alleged that today at 2am, a 50-year-old man was at his farm in Howick when he was attacked by three unknown suspects who stabbed him multiple times.”

– SAPS Captain Nqobile Gwala

“They also robbed him of his valuable items such as cellphone, firearm, TV and laptops before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. The victim was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.”

Gwala said a female employee was asleep in her room when she was awoken by the sound of the robbers on the property.

“The female employee who was found at the scene alleged that she was sleeping in her room when she heard noise and went to investigate,” Gwala said.

Gwala said the suspects were ransacking the house when they spotted the woman.

“The suspects spotted her, covered her face, tied her arms and legs and locked her in another room. After some time the victim managed to free herself and called for help.”

– SAPS Captain Nqobile Gwala

FARM MURDER SUSPECTS FLED IN BAKKIE

According to reports about the latest farm murder on social media farm watch groups the suspects had fled in the farmer’s bakkie with the stolen goods.

“The farm is just past the Ambers on the right behind Sappi as you leave Howick.  He was attacked in the early hours of the morning by three men. The suspects have fled in his bakkie and stolen some things. 

The bakkie was picked up on cameras going through Merivale at 3.30am,” one report noted.

A photograph of the farmer’s vehicle that the farm murder suspects stole, a white Ford Ranger NR32220, is being circulated on social media.

Gwala said Howick police are investigating a case of murder and robbery.

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/farm-murder-latest-howick-farmer-killed-in-brutal-home-invasion/