Donovan Marx farm attack: Accused once lived on his farm

Four men accused of attacking North West farmer Donovan Marx appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 November, where it emerged that one had previously lived on his farm.

The State will oppose bail when the accused return to court on Friday, 13 November.

The four accused were identified as Phindile Nomngcayi, Godfrey Mathipa, Thomas Motlhonglong and Jan Maishone.

They face charges including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

One accused previously lived on Marx’s farm

The court heard that one of the accused previously lived on Marx’s farm, while the other three reside in Promosa, near Potchefstroom.

State prosecutor Caswell Ntoyi said the accused with links to the property would not be allowed to return there if granted bail.

Magistrate Trevor Leballo postponed the matter to 13 November for a possible bail application.

The possibility of a Section 204 State witness was also raised during the proceedings. The provision allows a person involved in an alleged offence to testify for the prosecution under certain conditions.

Police previously arrested five suspects, although only four appeared in court on Tuesday.

North West police commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Peter Adams confirmed that investigators were ready to oppose bail.

He also thanked the investigation team, led by Captain Bonita Dry, for securing the arrests.

AfriForum challenges Ramaphosa

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel joined farmers and community members outside the courthouse to show support for Marx and his family.

Kriel criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for not publicly condemning the attack.

AfriForum also issued a statement on Monday calling on Ramaphosa to condemn farm attacks and the singing of the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant.

The organisation urged parties in the Government of National Unity to pressure the president to prioritise farm attacks.

“The safety of rural communities is not a matter for political negotiation – it is the government’s constitutional and moral responsibility,” Kriel said.

AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for community safety, Jacques Broodryk, said the organisation would monitor the proceedings and continue supporting the family.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp previously condemned the attack and called for greater protection of farmers and farmworkers.

The US State Department has also condemned what it described as racial incitement following the attack on Marx, calling on South African authorities to denounce the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant and prioritise rural crime.

Donovan Marx recovering in hospital

Marx, 50, was attacked on his Syferfontein farm between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp on Wednesday, 28 October.

Three armed men allegedly overpowered and tied up a farmworker before confronting Marx when he arrived at the property.

The attackers shot and stabbed Marx before cutting off both his ears.

His family confirmed that he suffered injuries to his kidney and colon and underwent surgery.

Marx remains in Mediclinic Potchefstroom, where he is recovering.

Police arrested two suspects on Saturday, 31 October, and another three in Promosa the following day.

Officers seized four firearms, two of which were linked to the attack, along with clothing and jewellery.

The family has appealed for privacy and urged the public not to spread unverified information about Marx’s injuries or the investigation.