Donovan Marx farm attack: Ian Cameron issues warning
· The South African
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron has praised detectives following the arrest of five suspects in connection with the brutal attack on North West farmer Donovan Marx.
Cameron welcomed the arrests on Sunday, 1 November, but stressed that police must now ensure the case stands up in court.
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“Five arrests in a matter of days are significant progress,” he said.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 56, were arrested after Marx was shot, assaulted and had his ears cut off during a robbery at his Syferfontein farm near Ventersdorp on Wednesday, 28 October.
Ian Cameron praises police
In a social media statement, Cameron singled out Ventersdorp detectives, the provincial Anti-Gang Unit and the investigation team led by Captain Bonita Dry.
He praised their persistence and the long hours spent tracking down the suspects.
Cameron also thanked local farm watches, farmers, private security personnel and community members who assisted police.
He said their involvement demonstrated the importance of cooperation between communities and law enforcement.
Despite the breakthrough, Cameron stressed the need for a properly investigated case that could withstand scrutiny in court.
Five suspects arrested
Police arrested two suspects in the Ventersdorp area on Saturday, 31 October.
Detectives then tracked down three more in Promosa, near Potchefstroom, on Sunday.
Officers also seized four firearms, two of which police linked to the attack. They recovered clothing and jewellery during the operation.
The five suspects are expected to appear in the Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, 3 November.
They face charges including house robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Cameron extended his thoughts to Marx, his wife Louise, their family and the farmworker who was also attacked.
He urged the public to respect the family’s privacy and avoid interfering with the investigation.