Mpumalanga farmer in custody for murder

A farmer from the small town of Bethal in Mpumalanga is expected to appear in the local Magistrates Court on Monday on a charge of murder.

Spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli says it is alleged that the farmer suspected that the victim was illegally hunting on his farm when he was shot and killed on Sunday.

He says the 35-year-old victim was with a friend when he was killed at about 8.30 am.

Colonel Mdhluli said when police arrived at the scene, they found the lifeless body of the victim, who was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.

He said the 48-year-old farmer was also on the scene and in possession of a firearm suspected to have been used in the shooting.

Three empty cartridges were also found at the scene and the gun will now undergo ballistic testing.

The victim’s friend managed to escape unharmed.

The name of the victim has not yet been released.

SOURCE:ALGOAFM.