Two more bodies in Hartswater farm murder found, fifth suspect arrested

The last two bodies of Brand family members have been found.

The old couple and their daughter went missing during the weekend.

The three bodies were found on Tuesday afternoon after a thorough investigation.

Police spokesperson Brig Vish Naidoo confirmed that the bodies of Danie Brand, 83, and his wife Breggie, 73, were found in an open veld in Takaneng township, near Taung in the North West.

Their daughter’s body, Elzabie, 54, who had visited her parents over the weekend, was found earlier on Tuesday in the same area.

A massive search was launched when it was known that the family went missing after allegedly being attacked in their smallholding in Hartswater, in the Northern Cape, on Sunday.

After a search, Danie’s Nissan Micra was found close to Taung. Elzabie’s silver Mazda was found on the N18 close to Pudimoe after 11pm on Monday.

Naidoo confirmed earlier on Tuesday that three suspects were initially arrested which includes a 42-year-old woman and two males aged 18 and 19. He said a fourth suspect, aged 20 was later arrested and by Tuesday evening, a fifth suspect, a 36-year-old man was arrested.

Those arrested will face three counts of murder, kidnapping and theft of motor vehicle. They are expected to appear in the Hartswater magistrate’s court on Thursday.