After a deadly farm attack on a 77-year-old man in Baltimore, Limpopo, and a swift manhunt ordered by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, police have successfully apprehended one of the suspects.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that 28-year-old Hendrik Chimole, was arrested for the murder and robbery, appeared in Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, and was remanded in custody.
“The matter was postponed allowing for Legal Aid representation, and Chimole is expected to appear next at Tolwe Periodical Court on 4 December,” Ledwaba said.
Ledwaba said that Chimole was arrested in the early hours of 2 December following a coordinated operation by the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Tolwe Detectives, Bosbeld Misdaad Ondersoeke, and Bosveld Plaasbeveiliging Security Companies.
The operation also recovered the victim’s firearm, a 38 Special revolver, and six live rounds of ammunition.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, 29 November at around 16:00, claimed the life of 77-year-old Attie Mahne.
According to Ledwaba, Mahne had left his home to check on his cattle when two men entered the farmhouse and overpowered his wife, tying her up.
“Upon his return, the husband was confronted by the intruders, who tied him up at knifepoint. The suspects severely assaulted him before fleeing the scene,” he said.
Ledaba added that the wife managed to alert the farm watch, who, together with police and neighbouring farmers, rushed to the property.
“On arrival, they found the 77-year-old still tied up and lying unconscious. EMS personnel declared him dead on the scene,” Ledwaba added. Several items were reportedly stolen, including a firearm, cellphones, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Ledwaba said a police manhunt for a second suspect is ongoing, and investigations into the attack are continuing.
The Star