Donovan Marx farm attack, Digi Mart USA News (North West, South Africa): Four men accused of attacking North West farmer Donovan Marx appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, November 3, where it emerged that one of them had previously lived on his farm.
The accused were identified as Phindile Nomngcayi, Godfrey Mathipa, Thomas Motlhonglong and Jan Maishone. They face charges including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The court heard that one of the accused previously lived on Marx’s farm, while the other three reside in Promosa, near Potchefstroom. State prosecutor Caswell Ntoyi said the accused with links to the property would not be allowed to return there if granted bail.
The State will oppose bail when the accused return to court on Friday, November 13. Magistrate Trevor Leballo postponed the matter to that date for a possible bail application.
The possibility of a Section 204 State witness was also raised. The provision allows a person involved in an alleged offence to testify for the prosecution under certain conditions.
Police had previously arrested five suspects, although only four appeared in court on Tuesday.
North West police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams confirmed that investigators were ready to oppose bail and thanked the investigation team, led by Captain Bonita Dry, for securing the arrests.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel joined farmers and community members outside the courthouse to show support for Marx and his family. Kriel criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for not publicly condemning the attack.
AfriForum also issued a statement on Monday calling on Ramaphosa to condemn farm attacks and the singing of the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant, and urged parties in the Government of National Unity to pressure the president to prioritise farm attacks.
“The safety of rural communities is not a matter for political negotiation – it is the government’s constitutional and moral responsibility,” Kriel said. AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for community safety, Jacques Broodryk, said the organisation would monitor the proceedings and continue supporting the family.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp previously condemned the attack and called for greater protection of farmers and farmworkers. The US State Department has also condemned what it described as racial incitement following the attack, calling on South African authorities to denounce the “Kill the Boer” chant and prioritise rural crime.
Marx, 50, was attacked on his Syferfontein farm between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp on Wednesday, October 28. According to the report, three armed men allegedly overpowered and tied up a farmworker before confronting Marx when he arrived at the property.
The attackers allegedly shot and stabbed him before cutting off both his ears.
His family confirmed that he suffered injuries to his kidney and colon and underwent surgery. Marx remains in Mediclinic Potchefstroom, where he is recovering.
Police arrested two suspects on Saturday, October 31, and another three in Promosa the following day. Officers seized four firearms, two of which were linked to the attack, along with clothing and jewellery.
The family has appealed for privacy and urged the public not to spread unverified information about Marx’s injuries or the investigation.
