Chairperson of the Alexandria Agricultural Association Brent McNamara said this morning that while the condition of farmer Riaan Scheepers was currently stable, it remained serious. Scheepers was assaulted around 9am yesterday on the Fick farm in the Alexandria district.
According to police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender, Scheepers, who is in his early 60s, was attacked in his home by two men and severely beaten.
The men fled with in bakkie which was later recovered. A .38 special revolver is believed to have also been taken. Scheepers was taken to hospital.
“Details of the incident are still unclear and a team of investigators is utilising all the necessary resources and sophisticated aids to trace and track the perpetrators of this incident,” Govender said.
“We are working closely with the farming community who have been of great assistance and will continue to follow up on any information received.”
McNamara said, “Agri Eastern Cape and the Alexandria Agricultural Association condemns the recent brutal assault on Mr Riaan Scheepers of the Ficks farm in the Alexandria District. The rapid response to the incident by a local farmer, community structures, Security and Emergency Services as well as the SAPS is commended.
“While Riaan Scheepers is currently stable, his condition remains serious. During our interactions with the SAPS since the incident, we are currently satisfied that the investigation currently under way is receiving the required level of attention. “
McNamara said Agri Eastern Cape would continue to engage with the SAPS to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice and to improve upon the Rural Safety Strategy in place.
“We hope and pray that Riaan will make a full recovery and be able to continue to make a positive impact on the local community as he has done to date,” McNamara said.
Govender said no arrests had been made and the South African Police Service was appealing to any person with information on the incident to contact Detective Commander Captain Leon Els at 083 387 0749, their nearest police station or the crime stop number 0860 10111.
“All information is strictly confidential and the caller has a choice to remain anonymous,” Govender said.
