Two behind bars for murdering elderly Hofmeyr farmer

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Swift action by police officials in the Cradock, Middelburg and Hofmeyr policing areas, has resulted in the arrest of two men for the murder of an elderly farmer in the Hofmeyr area.

Spokesperson, Capt Stefanie Smith says three suspects allegedly broke down the back door of a farm house near Hofmeyr on Sunday evening.

She says the men, armed with knives, allegedly assaulted 80-year old Louis Traut, his 48-year old wife Coleen, and two adult daughters, 45-year old Mariska and 50-year old Louisa.

Traut was stabbed in the chest and he died at the scene.

His wife and daughters were also assaulted and stabbed and sustained less serious injuries. They were taken to the Cradock hospital for treatment.

Smith says the suspects opened a safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash and fire arms, before fleeing in Traut's vehicle.

Police notified all surrounding stations and two of the suspects were arrested in the Middelburg area.

Two fire arms were recovered.

Cases of Murder and House Robbery have been opened, and are still under investigation.