Farmer killed, wife stabbed

A MIDLANDS farmer was murdered and his wife stabbed in the early hours of yesterday when gunmen broke in and attacked them on their farm outside Pietermaritzburg.

Edwin Mapstone, 52, woke up to find five intruders in his bedroom on Glower-Oer Farm at Thornville, between Pietermaritzburg and Richmond, his brother, William, told The Independent on Saturday.

He was shot dead before being able to react, said William Mapstone. “His gun was in his safe.”

He said the family believed the motive was robbery.

“They were after money in the safe but it had already been banked,” said Mapstone, who farms next door.

He said his sister-in-law, Jean, had suffered deep stab wounds and was in a Pietermaritzburg hospital.

Two of the couple’s three daughters were on their way from Durban and Johannesburg. A third lives in Vietnam.

Condemnation

Edwin Mapstone farmed cattle, cane and potatoes and was a past pupil of Weston Agricultural College.

Condemning the murder, the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, said acts of this nature had an impact on the entire South African farming community.

“We are highly concerned about the senseless violence of this attack and call for justice to be served,” said chief executive Sandy la Marque.

“An incident of this nature is a harsh reminder of our times. We cannot stress enough, to our farmers, the importance of staying vigilant and ensuring all possible security measures are in place.”

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed the attack and added that Edwin Mapstone had also been stabbed.

“Firearms were also taken but it’s unknown how many at this stage,” he said.

“Charges of murder and attempted murder are being investigated by Thornville police.

“We are appealing to anyone who might have information about the suspects to contact the local police station or our Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.