Two arrested over Ventersdorp farm attack on Donovan Marx
Two suspects are in custody after a violent farm robbery near Ventersdorp, while the injured farmer remains in intensive care and is said to be stable.
Police in the North West have arrested two suspects in connection with a farm robbery and attempted murder near Ventersdorp, IOL reported on Sunday.
The attack took place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at a farm in Syferfontein. The farmer was shot and seriously injured, and his ears were cut off, according to the report.
What police have said
Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the arrests came after an intensive investigation by the Ventersdorp police. IOL reported that investigators had worked to trace the people allegedly responsible.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Peter Adams welcomed the breakthrough. Myburgh said he praised the investigating team for its “swift and concerted efforts”. The names of the suspects were not given in the report, and it did not say when they would appear in court.
Condition of the farmer
The victim is Donovan Marx, a 50-year-old farmer from the area. His family says he is in intensive care at Mediclinic Potchefstroom and his condition is stable.
The family says that during surgery a section of his large intestine was removed. Doctors could not save his ears, so the family says prosthetics may be an option once he is strong enough.
The family issued a statement through their lawyers rejecting claims on social media about other injuries. They called those claims completely false and asked people to stop passing on rumours and guesswork. They also said they are backing the police investigation and thanked people across the country for their kind messages and prayers as he starts what they describe as a long recovery.
What this means for readers
The case is still at an early stage. The suspects are only allegedly linked to the attack, and it will be up to the courts to decide on any charges.
For now, the family’s appeal is a useful reminder to rely on official police statements and verified news reports, and to avoid sharing unconfirmed claims about victims of crime. Anyone with information that could help the Ventersdorp investigation should contact their nearest police station.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
