LOUIS TRICHARDT – An Alldays-based farmer, Mr Jacobus Johannes Pretorius (51), briefly appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on charges of attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.

The incident to which the case is related took place at the accused's farm in Alldays last Friday at about 09:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Far North, Capt. Ailwei Mushavhanamadi, the complainant was allegedly taking some firewood from the accused's farm when the incident happened.

The statement indicates that while the complainant was busy collecting the firewood, the farm owner saw him and proceeded to the scene. On arrival the accused allegedly threatened the complainant with death if he tried to run away.

The statement further indicates that the accused fired one shot in the direction of the complainant as the complainant was reportedly trying to escape. The complainant then stood firm until the accused arrived. He then allegedly started assaulting the complainant with his fists.

According to Mushavhanamadi, the accused allegedly shot the complainant's two donkeys, killing them instantly. The complainant was later taken to the local health centre for medical treatment. He later reported the matter to the police.

According to the information available, the complainant was discharged from the health centre on Tuesday afternoon.

On the other hand, Pretorius has also laid a charge of theft of firewood against the complainant. The complainant is a 20-year-old man, who stays at Taaibos Village.

Although the matter was reported to the police shortly after the incident, the accused was arrested at his farm on Monday evening.

The complainant was still to be charged for theft of firewood at the time of going to the press. The accused was not asked to plead during his court appearance. The matter was postponed to July 26 for further investigations. The accused was released on R2 000 bail.