Du Toit Etienne

The 53 year old macadamia farmer left the main house alone at approx 8pm to drive down into the orchards to switch off some agricultural water pumps. When he did not return, his son grew concerned and went into the orchard to search for him shortly after 9:00 PM. His son discovered his father's body lying in a pool of blood next to his vehicle.The forensic and scene details revealed that he was violently assaulted and bludgeoned to death. An iron rod, which investigators believe was used as the murder weapon to inflict severe traumatic head injuries, was recovered on the ground next to his body. The primary motive for the attack remains highly unusual compared to typical farm invasions, as robbery was ruled out by law enforcement. The perpetrators did not steal any of his belongings; his mobile phone was found lying directly next to him, and the keys to his home safe were still intact inside his pocket.