File
Kwazulu Natal arrested five suspects for the murder of 55-year-old Trevor Murphy of Wendover Farm in Karkloof Road on Friday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, said the breakthrough in the case came early on Monday morning when the farmer’s stolen vehicle was spotted in central Pietermaritzburg.
He said Howick Detectives as well as the Pietermaritzburg Public Order Police Unit and private security officers followed up on information that Murphy’s vehicle was spotted at Pietermaritzburg Central.
“Police officers intercepted the vehicle and a search was conducted. During the search, a pistol and clothing that were taken during the robbery were found in the vehicle. Three suspects were immediately arrested,” Naicker said.
He said further investigations led the team to the Swapo Informal Settlement where two more suspects were arrested and stolen items recovered.
Murphy was attacked in the early hours of Friday morning and stabbed multiple times.
The assailants stole valuables such as a cell phone, a firearm, a TV, groceries, and laptops before fleeing in their victim’s motor vehicle.
Naicker said Murphy was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“The five suspects, aged between 25 and 47, were charged with murder and robbery and will appear in the Howick Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
