Two local farm attacks in under 24 hours
Older residents targeted on smallholdings in De Wildt and Rhenosterfontein
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg, Brits – Two house robberies on smallholdings in De Wildt and Rhenosterfontein late on Friday, 11 September, and early on Saturday, 12 September 2026 have prompted renewed calls for vigilance among rural residents.
Colonel Anne Magakoe confirmed that SAPS is investigating both incidents. No arrests had been made and there is currently no confirmed information linking the Rhenosterfontein and De Wildt robbery to one another.
De Wildt: Elderly couple confronted by masked men
In De Wildt, situated between Pretoria North and Brits, north of the Magaliesberg, a 66-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife were allegedly threatened by two masked suspects at approximately 23:45 on Friday, 11 September.
According to Magakoe, the couple were asleep when they heard noises outside. They noticed two unknown men near their electric fence and, suspecting that the men were tampering with it, went outside to investigate. The men, who were wearing balaclavas, allegedly threatened the couple and followed them into the house, demanding cash, cellphones and a wristwatch before fleeing.
Police investigations continue.
Rhenosterfontein: Elderly couple assaulted, household goods stolen
In Rhenosterfontein, a rural smallholding area just outside Rustenburg, three unknown men allegedly entered a residence through a sliding door at approximately 02:00 on Saturday, 12 September.
The suspects allegedly assaulted a 62-year-old man and his 60-year-old female companion before fleeing with household goods. Magakoe listed the stolen property as a cellphone, cooler box, air fryer, microwave, power bank, two wall clocks and meat. Both victims sustained injuries and received medical attention.
Police subsequently recovered some allegedly stolen items that had been abandoned, including a freezer, cellphone and air fryer.
Police investigations continue.
Police call for vigilance
SAPS urged residents of farms and smallholdings to remain vigilant, ensure their properties are properly secured and report suspicious people or activities immediately.
Platinum Weekly wishes the injured residents a full recovery and extends its support to everyone affected by these horrific incidents.