FROM THE COURTS: Four men appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in connection with the horrific attack on farmer Donovan Marx (50).

The four accused, who appeared on charges of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, are Phindile Nomngcayi (30), who was living on Marx’s farm, Thomas Motlhangtlhong (27), Mothoka Mathipa (56) and Mokhema Jan Maishoane.

A fifth suspect, who was arrested over the weekend, has been removed from the charge sheet and is expected to become a state witness.

The case was postponed to 13 November 2026 for formal bail applications. The State is opposing bail. The state argues that the brutal attack on Marx was planned and premeditated.

Marx (50) was attacked on Wednesday morning, 28 October 2026, between 08:00 and 09:00 on Syferfontein, a cattle farm located between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

Three balaclava-clad suspects first attacked a farmworker, who they threatened with weapons and tied up. When Marx arrived at the property in his bakkie, he was shot in the back.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the attackers dragged Marx into the house where they subjected him to horrific torture. He was stabbed in the leg, threatened with castration, and according to General Adams both of his earlobes were cut off. 

The attackers stole three firearms from Marx’s gun safe and fled the scene in his red Isuzu single-cab bakkie.

The farmworker eventually managed to free himself and raised the alarm. He was not injured in the attack.

Marx’s abandoned Isuzu bakkie has been found abandoned in the Ikageng area and processed for DNA evidence.

Marx is still recovering in hospital.

Also read: 2 arrested for horror farm attack – Crime Scene Report