In a shocking turn of events, a 55-year-old security guard, Wessel Badenhorst, has
been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a
shooting incident on a farm in Delmas, Mpumalanga. Badenhorst appeared in the
Delmas District Court on March 25, 2024, and his case was postponed until April 3 for a
formal bail application.

According to the Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner’s office, on the evening
of March 22, police and emergency services were called to the farm after reports of
gunshots. Upon arrival, they found a woman with gunshot wounds and Badenhorst
holding a firearm. Two vehicles were also present, one with a bullet-riddled windscreen.

The woman informed authorities that she had visited the farm with a male friend, whose
whereabouts were unknown at the time. Tragically, during a search of the premises, the
body of a man with multiple gunshot wounds was discovered. He was later identified as
the woman’s missing friend.

Preliminary investigations led to Badenhorst’s arrest on charges of murder and
attempted murder. The firearm was confiscated for further examination, and authorities
have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.

Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of
the SAPS in Mpumalanga, condemned the incident, expressing particular concern over
the allegations that the victims were shot by a security guard. “We are hopeful that
justice will be served for the victims,” she stated.