Police arrest suspect in Eastern Cape farm murder

As previously reported, a farm in the Eastern Cape was the scene of a bloody knife murder last month. A new update has confirmed the arrest of a key figure.

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CIVIL ENGINEER KILLED IN CRADOCK, EASTERN CAPE

According to the police report, a 65-year-old man was found dead with stab wounds between Cradock and Hofmeyr on 30 August.

Further details revealed that the victim’s vehicle was dumped in Hofmeyr.

“Police are investigating a case of murder after the body of a 65-year-old man was found yesterday in the farmhouse that is situated near R390 between Hofmeyr and Cradock,” Eastern Cape Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said.

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“On Wednesday, 30 August 2023, around 09:30, police were summoned to a scene of murder at a farm outside Cradock. At the scene, the body of a 65-year-old elderly man was found with stabbed wounds in the upper body. The deceased person is known, but his identity is being withheld until a formal identification process is concluded.

“Moments later, the victim’s vehicle was found abandoned in Conway Road, Hofmeyr. The circumstances surrounding the incident are forming part of the investigation.

“Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect/s to contact a leader of the investigating team on 082 319 8876. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Nkohli added.

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PROMINENT CIVIL ENGINEER

Meanwhile, newer reports have identified the victim as Thys Van Niekerk, a well-known Civil Engineer from the Free State.

“Thys was a well-known civil engineer involved in a 3-year road construction project close by,” Ian Cameron of Action Society confirmed.

“He would have stayed there for the project duration,” Cameron added.

EASTERN CAPE POLICE ARREST KROUWKAMP

According to Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, a 28-year-old man named Andrew Krouwkamp has been arrested in connection with the killing of Van Niekerk.

The suspect was napped hiding in a bush in Hofmeyr.

“The SAPS welcomes the overwhelming support of the community and other sectors, especially the media whose efforts led to the arrest of the accused,” IOL reported.

Meanwhile, Krouwkamp will take the stand at the Cradock Magistrate’s Court on Monday, to face a murder charge.

You can find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.