Anneke Claassen

Anneke Claassen (1947 - 2023)

Brief overview:

Anneke (76), owner of Echo Caves, and her nephew Hennie Claassen (78), were murdered on Farm Klipfonteinhoek near Ohrigstad, in Limpopo Province, on Saturday 3rd June 2023. It is believed that they were both tortured before they were set on fire in broad daylight in their separate houses. Carpets, rugs, newspapers and bedding were used to keep the fire ablaze.

"Anneke’s son, Jan-Daniël Claasen, told Netwerk24 it seemed like two or three armed men overpowered her and dragged her to a passage where they set her alight while she was still alive." Members of the farmers’ association went to the main house about 120 metres away from Hennie's house, where his mother lived. They gained access to her house, but due to thick smoke and trying to extinguish the flames they struggled to get her out, he said. “When they got to her she was pronounced dead on the scene and the police were called.” He said her body was found in the passage of the house between the main bedroom, the kitchen and the living room.

Employees and tour guides managed to access Hennie's house. “It seems he was assaulted and he was set alight while he was still alive. They broke down the door and tried to save his life, but he succumbed to his injuries,” said Jan-Daniël Claasen.

According to the Limpopo department of roads and transport, witnesses saw a man wearing a balaclava. Police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said no arrests have yet been made.

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
  • Anneke leaves behind her son, two daughters, three sons-in-law and seven grandchildren.
  • Hennie is survived, among others, by his four children and several grandchildren.
• Funeral/Memorial
• The Farm/Smallholding
• The Region (Land disputes, other incidents etc.)
  • According to the civil rights organization AfriForum's statistics, at least seven farm murders were reported nationwide in the past week alone. Jacques Broodryk, spokesperson for community safety, says the brutal way in which farm attacks and farm murders are carried out is a clear indication that this is not just ordinary crime.
  • The tragic reality for farmers and those living on farms and in rural arrears in South Africa, particularly the elderly, is that they are more susceptible to attacks. The perpetrators usually invade en mass, and as the farms are often isolated and a number of kilometres apart, the attackers have more time before neighbouring farmers, reaction units, and police are able to respond.
  • The following safety measures must be applied daily, says Van der Westhuijzen, chairman of AWK’s National Safety Policy Committee:
    • Carry a panic button with you, or something similar that can send out an emergency signal as soon as you sense trouble.
    • Have a room or safe place ready in your home where you can buy time for yourself.
    • Before you get out of your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and check what is going on at home: are the lights off? Is the door open? Are the dogs where they usually are?
    • Make sure your alarm system is connected to an independent and reliable power source.
    • Keep all exterior doors/security doors locked.
    • Do not follow suspicious noises outside - instead stay behind closed doors and call your neighbors and/or the police.
    • Be aware if the dogs are barking and be careful to let the dogs in or out to determine what they are barking for.
    • Support and become part of your local farm watch system.
    • Keep the contact details of the neighbours, the police and ambulance at hand.

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
• Weapons
• Items Stolen
• Investigative officer/SAPS Case No:
  • Anyone with information can contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233, crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the nearest police station.
• Torture, Gratuitous violence
• Indications of Hate Crime? Threats etc.

Perpetrator details:

• Number and Descriptions
• Arrests
  • Information led to the arrest of a 30-year-old male suspect in the early hours of 14 June 2023 at about 01:00 at his hideout in Tembisa, Gauteng province. The suspect is an ex-employee at the hotel and was positively linked to the incident
• Name/s and age/s of Perpetrator/s
• Country of origin of Perpetrator/s
• Trial/Conviction

Additional Biographical Information:

Anneke, a skilled businesswoman and farmer, managed the farm, as well as the Echo Caves and the hotel on the premises. The land has belonged to the Claassen family for more than a century. "My mother kept the pot boiling. She was a good businesswoman and managed everything by herself until her death," said her son, Jan-Daniël Claassen (43) .

Links to Media articles:

• https://archive.is/rShcb
• https://archive.is/UDCnr
• https://archive.is/YGbge
• https://archive.is/kjubd
• https://archive.is/fATb6
• https://archive.ph/sCcf8
• https://archive.ph/QkPyt