“Farm Murders” 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

TAU (Transvaal Agricultural Union) 1997/98: 153 Murders

SAPS 1997/98 "official" figures: 153 Murders from 490 Attacks

• Archived SAPS website

There are 92 victims remembered in this project

• This figure includes 8 couples (farmer and wife) between 25/08/1997 - 17/03/1998
• 34 Victims were aged between 60 - 92

1997 April

• Andries Marthinus Vermaas “Dries” (49) 06/04/1997 Greylingstad, MPL (shot in the face) FB link Report
• John Henry Denner (71) 06/04/1997 Lizumpi, Klerksdorp, NW (shot at farm stall)
• Simon Karel Begeman (64) 14/04/1997 Swartspruit, GP (beaten to death) (Treurgrond no. 682)
• Erika Sophia Fourie (27) 19/04/1997 Klerksdorp, NW (Identity Number : 6907250193083) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Gerbrecht Heiltje de Meyer (72) 22/04/1997 Farm Oplossing, Bothaville, FS (shot in house, died the next day)
• Stefan Brodie (26) 28/04/1997 Footloose Trout Farm, Diepsloot holding, Centurion, GP (shot, multiple murder) media link
• Brendan Rodney Ollsson (25) 28/04/1997 Footloose Trout Farm, Diepsloot holding, Centurion, GP (shot, multiple murder) media link

May

• Elsa Lottering (51) 01/05/1997 Drie Riviere, Vereeniging, GP (raped, throat slit) media article

June

• Jan Adriaan Venter (53) 07/06/1997 Plot 41, Riverpark smallholding farmstead, Vereeniging, GP (murdered in the garden) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Letitia Beatrice Lindt (36) 16/06/1997 farm near Kraaifontein squatter camp, Wallacedene, Cape Town, WC (raped, stabbed 42 times and disembowelled, sister of Patricia de Lille) (Treurgrond no. 691) media article
• Ebenhaezer Janse van Rensburg (69) 16/06/1997 BuffelsvIei, Ventersdorp, NW (shot through window)
• Elsie Oertel (born Swanepoel) (57) 16/06/1997 Virginia, FS (Identity Number : 3903020014082) (Official cause of death : Bleeding)
• Reginald Spencer Evans (55) 30/06/1997 Horseshoe farm, Camperdown, KZN (gun shots in the face and chest) (Treurgrond no. 697)

July

• Andre Hendrik Josephus Jeremia Swart (52) 07/07/1997 Farm Dunfermline, Koppies, FS (shot, information supplied by Andre's son-in-law)
• Pietie du Plessis (92) 07/07/1997 Legkaart area, Pietersburg, LP (shot in stomach, died in hospital) Report
• Veronica Detleefs (63) 09/07/1997 Armondale farm, Cove Ridge, East London, EC (throat slit)

August

• Jan Andries Petrus Swanepoel (50) 02/08/1997 Wolwekraal farm, Brits, NW (shot) Report
• Christiaan Jacobus van der Walt "Christo" (48) 05/08/1997 Helpmekaar, Dundee, KZN (bludgeoned to death) Northern Natal Courier 8/8/1997
• Charlotte Catharina van der Walt (50) 06/08/1997 Geluk, Brits, NW (shot) Report
• Johannes Philippus Bouwer "Jan" (58) 09/08/1997 Chester farm, Hoedspruit, LP (stabbed to death) Report
• Gerhardus Albertus Petrus Steenkamp "Gerrit" (39) 13/08/1997 Middelbult, Bothaville, FS (tortured to death, killed for muti) media article
• Hermanus Egbert Pieter Kotzee (49) 15/08/1997 Groenpan farm, Schweizer-Reneke, NW (tied up, stabbed) (Treurgrond no. 709)
• Mr du Plessis 17/08/1997 Boshoek smallholding near Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, NW (bludgeoned to death with a hammer) (Treurgrond no. 712)
• Friedrich Wilhelm Christian Kietzmann (80) 22/08/1997 Troutwaters smallholding, Haenertsburg, LP (strangled to death) Report
• Frederik Mathys Rupping (53) 30/08/1997 Dominionville, Klerksdorp, NW (Cause of death : Unnatural causes)

September

• Rae Jean Cawthorn (21) 01/09/1997 Stutterheim, EC (raped and stabbed to death) media link
• Peter James Robert Ellson (68) 03/09/1997 Plottie farm, Thornville, KZN (hacked with panga, died in hospital, multiple murder) Report
• Elizabeth Anne Jardine Ellson "Anne" (68) 03/09/1997 Plottie farm, Thornville, KZN (hacked with panga, died in hospital a few days later, multiple murder) Report
• Olivia Lemmer (78) 09/09/1997 Lemoenfontein farm, Mooiplaas, EC
• Martin Gert Peters (22) 14/09/1997 Commondale, Piet Retief, MPL (Identity Number : 7509055101086) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Ricardo Tavares de Castro (50) 22/09/1997 Waterval farm, Zeerust, NW (shot) Report
• Ingrid Rheinhild Myburgh (32) 29/09/1997 Mountain Breeze farm stall, Stellenbosch, WC (shot)
• Jan Lucas Coetzee "Jannie" (26) 30/09/1997 near Badplaas, MPL (shot dead) media report

October

• Francois Johannes Willemse “Frans” (65) 04/10/1997 Ugie, EC (shot) media article, media article
• Vivianna Alma Gevers (60) 05/10/1997 Paulpietersburg, KZN (shot twice in the head) Report
• Theodorus Cornelius Hendrik Pieterse "Theo" (59) 10/10/1997 La Riviera farm, Bultfontein, FS (shot) media article
• Ivan Strauss (22) 19/10/1997 Khoms farm, Keimoes, NC (ambushed, tied-up, assaulted, shot, kidnapped, never found) Report
• Thomas Butler Smith (66) 19/10/1997 Vinyard farm, Aliwal-Noord, EC (stabbed to death) media article
• Roger Bartel (71) 23/10/1997 Pendale smallholding outside Daleside, GP (stabbed to death)
• Johanna Magrietha Jacoba Slabbert (78) 29/10/1997 Cyferfontein farm, near Rysmierbuld, Potchefstroom, NW (strangled to death) Report
• Petrus Paulus van Eeden "Piet" (64) 10/1997 Lindley, FS (stabbed in the neck) media article

November

• Francois Johannes Furstenberg "Franz" (56) 02/11/1997 Kaallaagte holdings, Hammanskraal, GP (shot 3 times) Report
• Maria Jacobs "Marietjie" (32) 06/11/1997 Elandsfontein farm, Bapsfontein, GP (stabbed 17 times, shot in head)
• Roald John Seabrook Smith (28) 12/11/1997 Kzambonambi, north of Empangeni, KZN (shot 5 times) Report
• Aletta Catharina Leith “Lets” (47) 12/11/1997 Farm Violet, Edenville, FS (shot to death inside her bedroom) Report
• Anna Dorothea Venter "Ansie" (33) 14/11/1997 Blaaukrans, Burgersdorp, EC (shot dead) case study
• Jan Barend Kruger (52) 17/11/1997 Laersdrif, LP (chest wound, broken ribs) Report
• Servaas Daniël Dreyer (77) 18/11/1997 Volksrust, MPL (tortured to death) Report
• Peter Ray Barratt (54) 20/11/1997 Summerpride farm, Mount Coke, EC (shot) heritage link
• Elizabeth Magdalena Marais (33) 25/11/1997 Newcastle, KZN (beaten with blunt objects and tortured to death) (multiple murder) Report
• Nicolaas Johannes Marais (44) 25/11/1997 Newcastle, KZN (beaten with blunt objects and tortured to death) (multiple murder) Report
• Nicolaas Marais Boonzaaier "Nico" (55) 30/11/1997 de Hoop farm, Schweizer-Reneke, NW (shot) case study

December

• Gerhard Francois Scheepers (54) 02/12/1997 Klipkrans farm, Ermelo, MPL (strangled and shot to death) (multiple murder)
• Isabella Cornelia Scheepers "Nellie" (53) 02/12/1997 Klipkrans farm, Ermelo, MPL (beaten, tortured and strangled to death) (multiple murder)
• Gerhardus Johannes Hoenderdos (72) 04/12/1997 Muldersdrift, GP (suffocated) Report
• Ebenezer Marais "Eben" (56) 12/12/1997 Dresten farm, Burgersfort, MPL (shot) Report
• Ruben Simeon Levi van Wyk "Ben" (67) 13/12/1997 Rooipoort smallholding, Potgietersrus, LP (stabbed) (multiple murder) Report
• Resina Jacoba van Wyk "Roos" (43) 13/12/1997 Rooipoort smallholding, Jaagbaan Farm, Potgietersrus, LP (stabbed) (multiple murder) Report
• Frans Thomas Ignatius Grobler (76) 19/12/1997 Homefire farm, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, GP (shot, died 15/02/98 due to complications) Report
• Francois Janse van Rensburg “Frans” (27) 20/12/1997 Komkommerhoek, Steynsburg, EC (bound then bludgeoned to death) case study Report
• Roland Franz Ehrenberger (53) 22/12/1997 smallholding, De Deur, GP (shot, chest, arm and leg) Report

1998 January

• Daniel Johannes Rudolph van Vuuren “Daantjie” (47) 16/01/1998 Wilgerspoort farm, Balfour, MPL (shot dead on his farm) case study [Projek2010]
• Lehlohonolo Abraham Zondo (Sgt.) (28) 16/01/1998 Wilgerspoort, Balfour, MPL case study
• Anna Gunter (?) 01/1998 Farm Enkelboom, Heuningspruit, FS (murdered on farm, multiple murder)
• Piet Gunter (?) 01/1998 Farm Enkelboom, Heuningspruit, FS (murdered on farm, multiple murder)

February

• Rovina Petronella Pienaar (84) 01/02/1998 Mooifontein farm, Bloemhof, NW (strangled, pillow left on her head) Report WikkiTree
• Maxine de Beer "Maxie" (58) 14/02/1998 Doringfontein farm, Ottosdal/Wolmaransstad, NW (killed when three gunmen attacked the couple) external link
• Engela Emmarentia Smit (15) 16/02/1998 Plot 270, Ruvel Road, De Deur, GP (hacked to death with an axe) (multiple murder)
• Gert Petrus Grobler (41) 16/02/1998 Plot 270, Ruvel Road, De Deur, GP (hacked to death with an axe) (multiple murder) external link
• Willem Nicolaas Jacobus Pienaar (49) 19/02/1998 Buffeldoorn smallholding, Stilfontein, NW (shot) Report
• Mark Anthony Peach (24) 23/02/1998 Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, NW (official cause of death: Unnatural causes)
• Elias Nkabinde (50) 25/02/1998 Driehoek, Bethal, MPL (hanged with wire) case study
• Udo Rudolf Wilhelm Dedekind (65) 08/02/1998 Farm Hope, Elandskraal, KZN (Shot in farm store, left paralysed, passed away a few months later) (Official cause of death : Asystole)
• Bebezile Mbatha (26) 28/02/1998 farm near Estcourt, KZN (shot and killed, multiple murder) Report
• Thandiwe Ntsaba (16) 28/02/1998 farm near Estcourt, KZN (shot and killed, multiple murder) Report

March

• Johannes Bruwer (63) 02/03/1998 Rikasrus smallholding, Randfontein (strangled in their granny flat, multiple murder) external link
• Petronella Bruwer (56) 02/03/1998 Rikasrus smallholding, Randfontein (strangled in their granny flat, multiple murder) external link
• Margaret Sharples (69) 01/03/1998 Balgowan, Pietermaritzburg, KZN (strangled to death) Report
• Christian Otto Fischer "Christo" (72) 05/03/1998 Spitskop farm near Kranskop, KZN (assaulted and shot with his own revolver) external link
• Ernest Andrew Gillespie (68) 07/03/1998 Eerstegeluk farm, Bethal, MPL (bludgeoned to death with a metal pipe) Report
• Peter Rimbo (63) 07/03/1998 Nooitgedach farm, Middelburg, MPL (found murdered with scratch marks on his body) Report FB link
• Jan Tielman Vrey (82) 07/03/1998 Carletonville, GP
• Theodore Stanley Taitz "Theo" (61) 11/03/1998 New Modder farm, Benoni/Daveyton, GP (shot dead at point blank range)
• Wilfred James Murley (49) 13/03/1998 Edwards farm, Peacevale, Hammersdale, KZN (gunshot wound in the head) external link
• Sheila Marais (58) 16/03/1998 Newlands farm, Bela-Bela/Warmbaths, LP (shot and killed in her car) case study
• David Broadbent Ronaldson "Dave" (68) 16/03/1998 Old Wartburg Rd, Pietermaritzburg, KZN (shot dead) case study
• Anna Marie Magdalena Rautenbach (63) 17/03/1998 Vereeniging, GP (tied up in her bedroom and shot) (multiple murder) external link
• Hendrik Christoffel Rautenbach (67) 17/03/1998 Vereeniging, GP (beaten with a blunt object, died later) (multiple murder) external link
• Frans Pieter Rousouw (63) 20/03/1998 Mooifontein farm, Hendrina, MPL (stabbed to death) external link
• Mantlonipho Ncinane 25/03/1998 Sulenkama farm, Qumbu, EC (shot dead) external link
• Mazumbe Madwantsi 28/03/1998 Gungqwana farm, Tsolo, EC external link
• Berton Sims Webber "Bert" (41) 29/03/1998 Marble Hall, LP (previously MPL) (seriously wounded and tortured, died later) external link

Victims that do not fit the strict definition of a "Farm Attack"

• George Thorpe (25) 04/06/1997 Kuruman, NC (outdoor attack, not on a farm/smallholding, multiple murder) media article
• Johannes Thorpe (22) 04/06/1997 Kuruman, NC (outdoor attack, not on a farm/smallholding, multiple murder) media article
• Richard Noel Hardy (42) 03/09/1997 Babanango, KZN (shot) FB Link

Further information sought

• Johannes Venter (51) 06/04/1997 Sasolburg, FS (DOB : 07/10/1946) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Jacobus Christiaan Bouwer (55) 17/05/1997 Harrismith, FS (Identity Number : 5106125058081) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Ismail Murray (30) 19/03/1997 Somerset West, WC (Identity Number : 7409045265085) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Paulus Petrus Du Plessis (39) 12/06/1997 Pretoria, GP (DOB : 16/04/1959) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• A Palmer 19/06/1997 Grahamstad, EC
• I Murray (55) 19/06/1997 Meyerton, GP
• K Breytenbach (40) 19/06/1997 Utrecht, KZN
• B Welmann (35) 19/06/1997 Dundee, KZN
• S Steenkamp 50 19/06/1997 Vryheid, KZN
• J Bauwer 19/06/1997 Hoedspruit, MPL
• D Marnitz (60) 19/06/1997 Greylingstad, MPL
• Vorster 19/06/1997 Amsterdam, MPL
• H Vermeulen (40) 19/06/1997 Swartruggens, NW
• H Britz (50) 19/06/1997 Roedtan, LPL
• B Scott 1997 Underberg, KZN %
• J Gird (f) (60) 19/06/1997 Robertson, WC
• W.C Bouwer (88) 30/06/1997 Ventersdorp, NW
• A.A Kotze (36) 02/07/1997 Upington, NC
• Francois Gysbertus Joubert (43) 07/07/1997 Bethlehem, FS (DOB : 24/08/1955) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Jan Valentyn Venter (42) 29/07/1997 Rustenburg, NW (DOB : 12/03/1955) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Hendrik Stephanus Johannes (50) 02/08/1997 Pretoria, GP (Identity Number : 4612225555083) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Jacobus Oostewaldt Potgieter (20) 22/08/1997 Pretoria, GP (DOB : 24/02/1977) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Peter Johannes Jansen (64) 02/09/1997 George, WC (DOB : 06/01/1932) (Cause of death : ONNATUURLIK)
• Paul Johannes Hattingh (29) 05/09/1997 Vereeniging, GP (ID : 6805185009087) (Cause of Death : ONNATUURLIKE OORSAKE)
• Johannes Lodewyk Bouwer (36) 12/10/1997 Pretoria, GP (DOB : 03/11/1961) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Sarel Von Willigh (47) 24/10/1997 Beaufort West, WC (Identity Number : 4910115033082) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Attie Venter (f) (36) 11/1997 Burgersdorp, EC
• Wilhelmina Petronella Fouche (born van der Westhuizen) (42) 15/11/1997 Carletonville, GP (DOB : 08/05/1955) (Official cause of death : Unnatural)
• Johannes Jacobus Venter (32) 11/12/1997 Pietersburg, (Polokwane), LP (DOB : 07/07/1964) (Official cause of death : Gunshot wound of chest and head)
• H Brooks 13/12/1997 Pinetown, KZN
• Casper Andries Willemse (26) 04/01/1998 Waterberg, Thabazimbi, LP (Identity Number : 7111175247087) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Jacobus Johannes van der Westhuizen (83) 05/01/1998 Johannesburg, GP (DOB : 09/05/1915) (official cause of death : Unnatural causes, Case Ref: PM0040/08)
• Johanna Elizabeth van der Westhuizen (36) 14/01/1998 Springbok, NC (DOB : 01/08/1962) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Theresa Oosthuizen (born Havenga) (41) 25/01/1998 Johannesburg, GP (ID : 4705300044088) (Cause of death : UNNATURAL CAUSES)
• [Male Victim] 30/01/1998 Centurion, GP (worker shot dead)
• Machiel Christoffel Matthews (68) 05/02/1998 Tarlton, NW (place of death Johannesburg, Unnatural causes, DOB: 1930-10-20)
• J.I.B Labuschagne 14/02/1998 Wolmaransstad, NW
• Willem Hendrik Gunter (54) 20/02/1998 Bothaville, FS (DOB : 29/03/1954) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• J.A van Zyl 22/02/1998 Dundee, KZN
• K Hattingh (41) 24/02/1998 Queenstown, EC
• Leon Fourie (54) 27/02/1998 Pretoria, GP (DOB : 15/11/1934) (Official cause of death : Unnatural causes)
• Johannes Petrus van der Westhuizen (42) 28/03/1998 Pietermaritzburg, KZN (DOB : 03/04/1946) (Official cause of death : Unnatural)
• B de Villiers (60) 03/1998 Vrede, FS