Van Sittert Hugo

Age 71. Van Sittert lived alone on his property, Bok se Puts, located along the Lutzputs road approximately 30 kilometers outside Keimoes. Although he did not actively cultivate crops himself, he rented his agricultural land to another farmer. On Sunday afternoon, one of his farm laborers accompanied by a friend arrived at his home regarding a dispute over unpaid wages. The confrontation quickly escalated into violence. According to subsequent police information, Van Sittert attempted to defend himself by firing a .22 rifle, wounding one of the intruders in the hand, before he was overpowered. The suspects fatally assaulted Van Sittert. His remains were later moved to the neighboring property, Bok se Dam, approximately 150 meters from the perimeter farm gate, where he succumbed to his injuries.The crime came to light after family members grew concerned when they could not reach Van Sittert by telephone and reported him missing. On Monday, February 5, 2024, Keimoes police officials spotted an individual driving Van Sittert’s private bakkie around the local town. Knowing the vehicle belonged to the resident, officers intercepted the bakkie and detained the driver. Following interrogation, the primary suspect disclosed information regarding the assault and the location of the body, leading search teams to the discovery of his remains on Thursday, February 8, 2024.The South African Police Service subsequently arrested two initial male suspects. The first suspect, who was Van Sittert's employee, faced primary murder charges and directed police to a residential dwelling where officers seized a hidden firearm. The second individual caught inside the bakkie was charged with the illegal possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. On February 14, 2024, Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Nelis Prins announced that law enforcement was seeking the arrest of a third male suspect linked to the case.