Family praises police for speedy arrests

Relatives of three family members kidnapped from their smallholding and murdered have praised police for their speedy arrests of five people.

Officers had searched since Sunday for Danie Brand, 83, his wife, Breggie, 73, and their 54-year-old daughter, Elzabie.

By Tuesday, their bodies had been found and the suspects arrested.

“No one wants to believe the police are doing an outstanding job,” family spokesperson Stephen Bennie said on Thursday. “We say: boys, well done.

“We are so thankful for what police managed to do.”

He said that at the height of the police search on Monday night, seven different police units were actively involved in the search.

Donald Seolesang, 20, Tshepo Visagie, 36, Realeboga Manyedi, 19, Kgomotso Mpumlwana, 43, and Tshepaone Melato, 19, were arrested in connection with the crimes.

Bennie said some of the relatives attended the first court appearance in Hartswater Regional Court on Thursday.

“Both daughters, Heidie and Trudie, were in court. It was very important for them to face the suspects. It was very emotional for them,” he said.

While they were in court, their husbands identified the victims’ bodies in Kimberley.

Bennie said the husbands spoke to the investigating officer while they were there.

“That gave them a lot of clarity. Things are coming together and they got a lot of answers.”

He was not yet in a position to comment on what was discussed.

The family were also grateful for the overwhelming turnout from the community, which organised a convoy to the court.

Regional National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the state would oppose bail, given the seriousness of the charges.

The five accused will remain in custody until their bail application on 13 August.

– News24