Johannesburg – The Heidelberg farming community is reeling after a violent overnight attack on respected local couple Jan and Elna Dhooge at their Schikfontein farm last week.
Five armed and masked assailants are still at large following the assault.
According to local reports, the attack occurred around 23:00 on a Tuesday, when Elna Dhooge had stepped outside briefly. The reason for her stepping out remains unclear. She was overpowered and assaulted, and her screams drew the attention of her husband, Jan.
“Before he could intervene, the men forced their way inside and shot him in the neck,” said a local source familiar with the incident. Jan reportedly pretended to be dead, a move believed to have saved his life.
“The darkness inside the house made it difficult for the attackers to see him properly,” the source added.
Elna suffered severe bruising and multiple injuries to her face and head during the attack.
The assailants ransacked the home, stealing firearms, cellphones, and other valuables before fleeing in Jan’s white Mahindra Pik-Up single-cab bakkie.
The vehicle was later found abandoned along the R23 toward Balfour, near JW Luckhoff High School.
Heidelberg Community Reeling After Violent Farm Attack, Five Suspects Still at Large:
The Heidelberg farming community has been left traumatised after a violent attack on respected local couple Jan and Elna Dhooge on their farm Schikfontein late on Tuesday, 28 October, around… pic.twitter.com/qYYBIzNEic
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) October 29, 2025
Neighbours and emergency responders acted quickly. Farmer Johan Deminey, who was first on the scene, stayed with the couple until help arrived.
“They were conscious when I found them. I just stayed with them until the medics came,” Deminey said.
Multiple emergency services, including Emis Security, SAPS Heidelberg, GVE, GPF, AfriForum, and community volunteers, assisted the couple.
Heidelberg Volunteer Medics and First Responders stabilised the Dhooges before transporting them to Life Suikerbosrand Hospital, where they remain in serious condition.
Brutal farm attack last night. Farmer and his wife in critical condition in hospital.
The Heidelberg community is deeply shocked after a brutal farm attack on the well-known couple Jan and Elna Dhooge of Schikfontein, which took place on Tuesday evening, 28 October, at around… pic.twitter.com/xuwdvF9jNT
— Jaco Kleynhans (@JacoKleynhans) October 29, 2025
Police have confirmed an intensive manhunt for the suspects is underway.
“This attack has left our community shocked and deeply concerned,” said a Heidelberg community representative.
“Jan and Elna are loved and respected members of our farming community. We are praying for their recovery and for swift justice.”
The incident underscores the growing concern over violence in South Africa’s rural areas, where heavily armed attackers continue to target farmers with alarming frequency.
Local residents have expressed anger and anxiety, calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) condemned the brutal attack, saying: “it is not only a crime against two beloved community members, but also a shocking reminder of the unacceptable levels of violence associated with farm attacks and murders”.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
