Watch: Ermelo farmer MOWS DOWN two kids, assaults another during rampage

What in the world! An Ermelo farmer who allegedly RAN OVER two children with his car and ASSAULTED another, will appear in court soon.

WATCH AS FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE CHILDREN SPEAK OUT

The children are aged 10, 11, and 13 respectively.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the 41-year-old farmer, Louis Johannes Grobler, is facing two counts of attempted murder as well as an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Groblersdal teen assault: Man applied for bail, claims he was assaulted in prison

“The farmer allegedly ran over the two minors and thereafter assaulted the third one after accusing them of theft. The incident is said to have occurred on Friday, 15 July 2022 around 14h00 at a certain farm in Ermelo. The matter was then reported to the police and after an investigation was done the man was immediately arrested the same afternoon.”

He furthermore said the farmer reportedly had his first court appearance on Monday, 18 July 2022 where the matter was postponed to Wednesday for a formal bail application.

Watch video:

The community of Ermelo has vowed to bring bail proceedings at the local magistrate’s court to a standstill. Protesters have gathered ahead of the appearance of a farmer accused of attempting to kill two children. @mwelimasilela has the latest.

Watch: https://t.co/4UAQARKlv3 pic.twitter.com/iQWnjPfrWV

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 20, 2022

ONE CHILD IS IN HOSPITAL FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE

Family members of the children along with EFF and ANC members are currently protesting outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court.

A parent of one of the children spoke to the media outside court saying his child is fighting for her life in hospital and that he will insist that the farmer is denied bail.

“Last Friday, the children went to look for corn to feed the chickens. The farmer was done with farming for the day. He drove towards and them and knocked them over with his car. I was at work when I was informed. I went to check on the child and she was badly hurt.

“As the family we are hurt. Even during the last court appearance, one of the white farmers who I work for called me while I was in court to tell me that I was fired. We are hurt as a family because of these things that are happening.”

Parent of one of the children

Police could not yet provide more details about the injuries the children sustained.

ALSO READ:

THE FATHER OF AN INJURED CHILD WAS FIRED BY ANOTHER FARMER FOR ATTENDING COURT

The incident has sparked some tensions in the community.

“We urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands but they should instead report the crime to the authorities. Be as it may, for now, let us allow the law to take its course as the matter is in the hands of the court. We are thankful that the police were able to make a swift arrest of the suspect. We hope that justice will be served for the three victims.”

Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela