South African farmer critically injured after attackers mutilate him during robbery

A 50-year-old cattle farmer, Donovan Marx, was shot and stabbed during a robbery at his farm near Potchefstroom, then tortured by two attackers who cut off his ears. The assault has renewed calls from political figures for farm attacks to be investigated thoroughly and for victims to receive support.

Marx was alone at home when the men tied up a farm worker and entered the farmhouse. The worker freed himself and raised the alarm; rescuers arrived before the attackers could carry out a further threat, and the men fled in Marx’s station wagon without taking valuables. Marx is in hospital and described as critical but stable; police say no arrests have been made.