Police in KwaZulu-Natal report that they have arrested a suspect who is allegedly responsible for the fatal stabbing of sugarcane farmer Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh (52), the stabbing of his 77-year-old uncle, and tying up and robbing his elderly mother and aunt, and their domestic worker.
By Lloyd Phillips, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
African Farming previously reported that this incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, 30 January, at the Roopsinghs’ Shantiniketan residence on the family’s Norwood Sugar Estate in KwaZulu-Natal’s Shakaskraal district. It left both the local community and the wider sugarcane farming industry shocked and heartbroken.
The single suspect reportedly stole a shotgun, a pistol and an air gun before fleeing the scene.
Roopsingh’s elderly uncle, whose name was withheld, was reportedly hospitalised with serious injuries.
On Friday, 17 April, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, a spokesperson for the police in KwaZulu-Natal, reported that police in the Umhlali district only a few kilometres from Shakaskraal arrested three suspects during a shootout with police on 28 March. Three other suspects involved in this shootout escaped the scene.
“The escaped suspects who were wanted for serious crimes such as murder, and house and business robberies were traced to and cornered in the Shayamoya area within the Umhlali policing precinct on 12 April.”
Also read: KZN sugarcane grower murdered; ‘Such barbarism cannot be normalised’
Suspects Appear in Court
All the suspects had allegedly been targeting victims in the Shayamoya, Nkobongo, Riet Valley and Itete areas.
“One of the six suspects was wanted for the murder of a 52-year-old farmer who was robbed and killed in his home in the Riet Valley area of the Shakaskraal district. The victim’s uncle was brutally stabbed during the incident.”
Magwaza reports that the suspects are aged between 20 and 25 years old. They have appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court. Three suspects, including Roopsingh’s alleged murderer, were remanded in custody, and the remaining three were released on bail.
“Police will continue to investigate to ascertain if the suspects are linked to other cases within the Ilembe District Policing Precinct.”
Dash Singh, Roopsingh’s cousin and spokesperson for his family, was unable to provide immediate comment on the arrest of the alleged murderer, attacker and robber.
Also read:
Police give update on plan to combat rural crime
Large group involved in murder of Free State farm worker a worrying sign
AFASA outraged by brutal killing of KZN chairperson
Murder of red meat entrepreneur sends shockwaves through KZN
