SOUTH AFRICAN FARMER SHOT, STABBED AND BEATEN, BOTH EARS CUT OFF IN BRUTAL ATTACK AS POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTS

A 50-year-old South African cattle farmer, Donovan Marx, has been left seriously injured after armed attackers allegedly shot, stabbed and brutally assaulted him before cutting off both his ears during a violent farm robbery in the North West Province.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Marx’s farm in Syferfontein, near Ventersdorp, between Potchefstroom and Johannesburg.

According to police accounts, the attack began at approximately 8:30 a.m. when a farmworker was mowing the lawn and three armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from behind the farmhouse.

The attackers allegedly pointed their firearms at the worker, demanded to know the whereabouts of the farm owner and tied his hands and feet with cable ties before taking him to the back of the property.

Marx subsequently arrived at the farm in his red Isuzu vehicle, unaware that the armed men were already on the premises.

Two of the suspects allegedly approached him, shot him in the upper body and dragged him into the house, where they tied his hands and feet before stabbing and repeatedly assaulting him.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly cut off both of Marx’s ears, leaving him with severe injuries. The attackers also searched the house and reportedly stole three firearms from a safe before escaping in his vehicle.

The farmworker eventually managed to free himself and raise the alarm, prompting emergency assistance. Marx was rushed to Mediclinic Potchefstroom, where he received treatment for his injuries.

His family later disclosed that he remained in a stable condition in intensive care, although his injuries were extensive. Surgeons reportedly removed part of his large intestine, while doctors were unable to save his ears. The family said prosthetic ears could be considered in the future, depending on his recovery and further medical assessments.

In a statement issued through their lawyers on Saturday, October 31, the family also dismissed social media claims that Marx’s genitals had been removed during the attack, describing the reports as entirely false.

The family appealed to members of the public and media organisations to avoid spreading unverified information or sensationalising the farmer’s suffering.

They said the police investigation was at a sensitive stage and confirmed that they were cooperating with the authorities through their legal representatives.

The attack attracted widespread condemnation from South African officials and members of the farming community.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp described the incident as a brutal act and expressed sympathy with Marx, his family and the wider agricultural community.

He called for stronger measures to address rural crime, including improved intelligence gathering, specialised investigations, better coordination with community policing structures and increased police presence in farming areas.

The incident also renewed concerns about the safety of farmers and agricultural workers, particularly those living and working in isolated rural communities where emergency assistance may take time to arrive.

However, the investigation recorded a significant development on Sunday, November 1, when South African police announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the attack.

The arrests followed an investigation by officers in Ventersdorp, with North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commending the investigators for their efforts.

Police said the suspects were believed to be connected to the robbery and attempted murder of the farmer. Investigators are continuing efforts to establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify everyone involved.

The arrests came after the attackers reportedly fled in Marx’s red Isuzu vehicle. Police subsequently recovered the vehicle, which was taken for forensic examination as part of efforts to gather evidence.

Authorities have urged members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation and help ensure that all those responsible are brought before the courts.

The case has also drawn attention to the wider debate over violent farm attacks in South Africa, with agricultural organisations and political representatives calling for stronger protection for rural communities.

While some campaigners argue that farm attacks deserve specific attention because of the isolation of victims and the severity of violence reported in certain cases, South African authorities maintain that violent crime affects communities across racial and social groups.

The arrest of two suspects marks progress in the investigation, but police have not indicated that everyone involved has been apprehended.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the case, including the condition of Donovan Marx, the investigation into the attack and any further arrests as the suspects face the legal process.