South African police have detained five suspects following a savage attack on cattle farmer Donovan Marx, 50, who was shot, stabbed and had both ears severed during a robbery at his property near Ventersdorp in North West province.
Authorities say armed, masked intruders initially restrained a farm worker before ambushing Marx when he arrived home, shooting him, binding his limbs and subjecting him to further violence.
The attackers allegedly stole three firearms and escaped in the farmer’s vehicle before the worker managed to raise the alarm.
Marx remains hospitalised, with reports suggesting he may require prosthetic ears after surgeons were unable to reattach his own. The five suspects, aged 26 to 56, were arrested over the weekend and face charges including attempted murder, robbery and unlawful possession of weapons.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp condemned the assault as barbaric, while Marx’s family welcomed the arrests and called for justice.
The incident has renewed attention on South Africa’s violent crime problem and the politically contentious debate surrounding attacks on farmers.
