Van Biljon Martie

The murder of Ronald van Biljon (65) and his wife Marthie (56) in Badplaas (Mpumalanga) in 2001 is one of the most shocking and brutal crime cases from that era. It led to a large-scale police investigation and manhunt across provincial borders.Armed men ambushed the couple during a robbery on their farm in Badplaas on Thursday evening, 30 August 2001. Following the robbery, Mr. and Mrs. Van Biljon were abducted from their home.Ronald van Biljon's body was found the following day (31 August) during a massive search. His attackers murdered him and dumped his body along the Chrissiesmeer Road, where it was covered with a curtain. Mrs. Van Biljon disappeared without a trace for weeks. The local community and the well-known Badplaas Aventura resort even offered a reward of R12,000 for information that could lead to her.On 4 November 2001, the police captured a fourth suspect, Ronald Masina, in Nhlazatje near Badplaas. During thorough interrogation, Masina led the police to a plantation or area near Tjakastad. On 6 November 2001, Marthie's human remains were found there. Her remains were scattered over a 5 km radius, presumably due to wild animals.Four men were eventually charged with the crime: Piet Mapayi (24), Wiseman Zondo (24), Doctor Maseko (25), and Ronald Masina. The case caused further sensation when Ronald Masina (who had led the police to the body) escaped from the Standerton police cells shortly afterward, just before he was due to appear with his co-accused in the Carolina Regional Court. The remaining three accused had to stand trial without him for murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery.