Brent McNamara, Alexandria farmer and the chairperson of the Alexandria Agricultural Association issued a statement condemning the brutal attack on Alexandria farmer, Riaan Scheepers of the Fick farm in the Alexandria district. Scheepers acted alongside McNamara on the Alexandria Agricultural Association committee as treasurer.

“Agri Eastern Cape and the Alexandria Agricultural Association condemns the recent brutal assault on Mr Riaan Scheepers of the Ficks farm in the Alexandria district. The rapid response to the incident by a local farmer, community structures, security and emergency services as well as the SAPS is commended,” said MCNamara.

Riaan Scheepers, 62, is currently stable but his condition remains serious. “During our interactions with the SAPS since the incident, we are currently satisfied that the investigation currently underway is receiving the required level of attention,” McNamara said.

Agri Eastern Cape will continue to engage with SAPS to assist wherever possible to bring the perpetrators to justice and to improve upon the Rural Safety Strategy currently in place.

“We hope and pray that Riaan will make a full recovery and be able to continue to make a positive impact on the local community as he has done to date,” said McNamara.

Scheepers, a father of three was due in Port Elizabeth to join his family to watch the Italy/South Africa rugby test Saturday afternoon. Between 8:30am and 9am, Scheepers and a farm worker, identified as Liefie Breakfast, walked into the farm house after being out in the field when two men attacked the pair. Scheepers was beaten and stabbed numerous times and sustained a severe skull and facial fractures.

Breakfast had also been beaten‚ according to the police‚ but was not as badly injured. He managed to escape and call for help.

The suspects fled with his bakkie which was later recovered on the Grahamstown road near Kenton on Sea. A .38 special revolver is believed to have also been taken and is still missing.

No arrests have been made and the South African Police Service is appealing to any person with information on this incident to kindly contact either the Detective Commander Captain Leon Els on 0833870749, their nearest police station or the crime stop number on 086010111

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