Anita Clapton

Anita Clapton (1955 – 2023)

Brief overview:

Anita (68), and her husband Frik (77), cattle farmers from Reivilo, were attacked on their farm at around midnight on Friday 10th November. The couple was brutally assaulted and Anita died from her injuries. Frik was seriously injured and being treated in a hospital in Vryburg.

Farm workers called for help when they saw that the couple's bakkie wasn't parked in front of the house. Hennie Kruger, community safety coordinator, and close friend of the couple, said that they saw on cameras that the bakkie turned left onto the N14 in the direction of Kuruman at around 03h55.

Hennie, who grew up with Frik said, "They were honest, good farmers, Christian, very hardworking. They didn't bother anyone." According to him, the couple had been farming for many years and Frik was born on the farm.

Hennie said that Frik suffers from Alzheimer's disease and is not aware of exactly what happened to him. "The suspects probably knew that he wasn't a big threat, and that's why they focused on Anita." According to him, there were presumably three attackers, if the tracks are taken into account. He suspects that the attackers had already struck around midnight, when the area had power shedding.

Capt. Aafje Botma, spokesperson for the police, confirmed that a case of house robbery and murder is being investigated. "The unknown number of suspects gained access to the house through a window and burglar alarm. The foreman found them. The deceased was found in the corridor - her hands and feet were tied. The man was found on the bed in the bedroom. His hands and feet were also tied and he was seriously assaulted," Botma added.

Firearms and a mobile phone were stolen. The vehicle was later found abandoned in the area.

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
• Funeral/Memorial
• The Farm/Smallholding
• The Region (Land disputes, other incidents etc.)

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
• Weapons
• Items Stolen
• Investigative officer/SAPS Case No:
• Torture, Gratuitous violence
• Indications of Hate Crime? Threats etc.

Perpetrator details:

• Number and Descriptions
• Arrests
• Name/s and age/s of Perpetrator/s
• Country of origin of Perpetrator/s
• Trial/Conviction

Additional Biographical Information:

"They were jewels of the community and did a lot for Reivilo and the service centre. At teatime, Anita was often ready with pastries such as jam tarts and pasties. They were special people." The Clapton couple farmed cattle. They had no children.

Links to Media articles:

• https://archive.is/l5rc7
• https://archive.is/QLtRm
• https://twitter.com/twatterbaas/status/1723061606815342945
• https://archive.is/64n6F