Farmer killed in Maclear attack

AN elderly farmer was stabbed to death and his wife is fighting for her life following an attack on their farm outside Maclear.

Louis van den Berg, 74, was beaten and stabbed to death and his wife Veron, 71, admitted to hospital after they were attacked on their farm, Rustig, about 10km from Elliot.

According to police, the attack happened at 6pm on Wednesday when five men came to the farm asking about cattle for sale.

Police spokeswoman Captain Ursula Roelofse said due to the nature of the attack, the Queenstown Organised Crime unit had taken over.

She said a preliminary investigation revealed that five men had asked a farm worker about buying cattle before being directed to the main house.

The worker directed the men to Van den Berg, who was at the farm gate.

“After a while, the worker heard screams and went to investigate.

“The robbers chased [the worker] into the house and demanded the safe keys,” Roelofse said.

“After a struggle, which left Veron injured, they got access to the safe, took several firearms and fled on foot after tying Veron and the worker up.”

The exact number of firearms stolen was not yet known.

Roelofse said the worker managed to escape and contacted relatives who alerted the police at 8.15pm.

Veron, who had also been stabbed and beaten, was rushed to hospital while Louis’s beaten body was found at the farm gate.

Roelofse said Louis appeared to have multiple stab wounds.