Smuts Anton

Age 62. Anton Smuts had settled down at his farmhouse to watch a rugby match when his wife left the property at approximately 16:30 to buy bread. When she returned, she found the house open and both her husband and his vehicle, an Isuzu Club Cab bakkie, missing. It is documented that he had gone to look for cattle or sheep after ongoing issues with stock theft on his and neighbouring properties. Attackers ambushed him while he was driving, fired shots at him, and subsequently attacked him. Later that evening, at approximately 19:35, local residents reported a raging veld fire. A neighbouring farmer went to investigate the fire and discovered the burnt wreckage of the bakkie. Behind the front seat of the vehicle, Anton Smuts's body was discovered, having been set on fire by the attackers and burned beyond recognition. Prior to the day of the attack, he had reportedly received threats warning that he would be burned. (Picture : Ridge Times)