North Coast farmer killed, uncle stabbed during brutal home invasion in Shakaskraal

A NORTH Coast sugar estate owner has died after being brutally stabbed during a home invasion that also left his elderly uncle hospitalised.

The community is outraged as family members described the attack as another 'farm murder' being ignored by authorities

Messages of condolences have poured in on social media for Aman Giyanshwar Singh, 52, of Riet Valley near Shakaskraal. 

Hi 77-year-old uncle was also repeatedly stabbed during the invasion on their sugar estate on January 30. 

Singh, a father of one, died in hospital on Tuesday. His uncle is still in hospital. 

According to a source, police were alerted to the robbery during the early hours of the morning. 

“They were met by the victims' 73-year-old  mother, who said that she was woken by the sound of the front door being opened, as well as her sister’s screams. She was then pulled from her room by an unknown male in a balaclava and carrying a knife.”

The source said according to Singh’s mother, the armed robber then tied her, her sister and their helper with T-shirts. 

“They were forced to lie in the passageway. She alleged she was threatened at knife point to hand over the safe keys, which she did. She said after the robber left, she managed to untie herself and went into the sitting room where she found her son, who is the owner of the farm, and her brother severely injured. They both had several wounds to their torsos. She called a family member who alerted the police and paramedics.”

The source said when Singh’s mother checked the safe, a shotgun, pistol and airgun, valued at about R10 000,  were missing.”  

Reaction:

The Ramakrishna Clinic posted a message of condolences on its social media page, saying they held their annual medical outreach at the very school in Etete donated by the family - The Radha Roopsingh Primary School. 

"May God grant you strength and peace during this time. The eternal blessings of the family's philanthropy will forever elevate the departed soul. Om Shanti," they posted. 

A relative posted the following message on Thursday: “Still in shock. For the last two days I have been trying so hard to 'keep it together', and go about my day as 'normal' as possible. But tomorrow (today) we bid farewell to my first cousin Aman. We grew up together and spent countless childhood weekends together on their farm. Our families were like one. The proud heritage defined all of us and created an indelible bond. 

“Sadly, he was savagely killed in yet another 'farm murder' that our government chooses to ignore. I'm raging - angry inside. Bless you bro on the next phase of your journey. Until we meet in heaven and climb trees, eat sugar cane, ride bikes, and run freely again, rest in peace.”

Singh’s funeral was held at his home today. 

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson said police in Umhlali were investigating a case of house robbery and murder

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