A farmer, his foreman and three of his security guards have been released on bail after they were charged with the murder of a farmworker in Schaapkraal.
The family of Sitvin van der Berg, 32, are now seeking justice for his murder.
SLAIN: Sitvin van der Berg, 32. Photo: Supplied
The dead man’s brother, Jowani van der Berg, 34, claims the murder has been kept quiet by the Schaapkraal farming community.
Sitvin did not work for farmer Riaan Kohn, but his battered body was found on Kohn’s farm near Varkensvlei’s last Wednesday.
CASE: Sitvin's friend witnessed the Schaapkraal murder. Photo: Jack Lestrade
After the murder, cops arrested Kohn, 36, his foreman Randall Lewis, 36, and three security guards, Happy Kufnalayi, 28, Samuel Lafayelo, 49, and Osuora Mwale, 46.
The suspects made their first appearance at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday and were freed on R1000 bail each.
ACCUSED: Randall Lewis. Photo: Supplied
The name of Kohn’s farm was not revealed and he could not be traced on Wednesday.
A female friend, who cannot be named, allegedly witnessed the murder and claims she was also beaten by the men.
Cops have yet to register her case while they wait for the doctor’s report, known as the J88.
ANGER: Jowani van der Berg. Photo: Jack Lestrade
Jowani says he was called to the scene by the woman who notified the family that his brother was dead.
The woman suffered injuries to her leg and arm.
“My brother lived in Siqalo and he worked on a farm near Varkensvlei Road in Philippi, I do not know who he worked for and what kind of farm it is as I haven’t seen my brother in two years,” explains Jowani.
“The friend who is a witness said they were taking a shortcut through one of the farms to get to the farm where they were working when they were approached by security guards.
“Thereafter a confrontation began and my brother and the woman was beaten with an iron pole. The woman was placed in the car with the foreman who drove around with her.”
The woman’s mother, 69, says her daughter doesn’t want to be identified because she fears for her life.
“My daughter said she and Sitvin were working on a farm and when it was lunchtime they went and smoked (twak) back in Siqalo,” she explains.
“On their way back, while walking on the gravel road, these men from another farm approached them and began chasing them and accusing them of stealing. They were not stealing anything.”
Jowani says they are seeking justice for his brother’s death.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says: “All of the accused males were released on bail. The case was remanded for further investigation until 17 October 2018.”