Farm worker sustains injury from gun shot - Allegedly shot by nearby white farmer - Employer demands justice as police probe incident
A 29-year-old farm worker is receiving medical treatment at Princess Marina Hospital after he was allegedly shot while searching for cattle behind Du Plessis Farm, along the Pitsane road on June 23. The victim, identified as Letlogonolo Phuthego, is awaiting surgery after suffering a broken right leg and significant blood loss in the incident, according to his employer, Tuelo Mohapi. Mohapi told this publication that Phuthego was searching for cattle at around 3pm when the shooting allegedly occurred. He said shortly after the incident, Phuthego sent him a call back request, prompting him to immediately return the call. “My employee told me that he had been shot by a white farmer and left lying in the bush despite crying out for help,” Mohapi said.
Mohapi said he immediately sought assistance from neighbours before reporting the matter at the Kgotla. He said they were fortunate to find a police vehicle at the Kgotla, and officers responded quickly.
“The police found my employee lying helpless in the bush. He had lost a lot of blood, and his right leg was completely broken,” he said. According to Mohapi, the person accused of shooting Phuthego is Peter Du Plessis, the son of the owner of the farm. He said the two had no previous relationship and had never met before the incident.
“There was no dispute between them. My employee had no conflict with the accused before the shooting,” Mohapi said. He further claimed that Phuthego was not alone at the time of the incident, saying another person who was with him managed to escape. He also alleged that farm workers who were with the accused may have witnessed what happened. Mohapi expressed concern over the handling of the matter, saying although police have been providing updates, he is not fully satisfied with the progress of the investigation. He said the accused was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge was later changed to grievous bodily harm.
“When I asked the investigating officer about the change, I was informed that it followed advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said. Mohapi described Phuthego as a hardworking and respectful employee who had
worked for him for almost a year.
“He is an honest and hardworking young man who has always carried out his duties diligently,” he said. The employer said the incident has caused anger within the community, and some residents are concerned about alleged previous incidents involving the same farmer. These allegations include claims that dogs and donkeys were killed, although no independent verification of these claims has been provided.
Mohapi said the community wants the matter handled fairly and transparently. “My hope is that everyone, regardless of who they are, is treated equally before the law,” he said.
Mohapi said he immediately sought assistance from neighbours before reporting the matter at the Kgotla. He said they were fortunate to find a police vehicle at the Kgotla, and officers responded quickly.
“The police found my employee lying helpless in the bush. He had lost a lot of blood, and his right leg was completely broken,” he said. According to Mohapi, the person accused of shooting Phuthego is Peter Du Plessis, the son of the owner of the farm. He said the two had no previous relationship and had never met before the incident.
“There was no dispute between them. My employee had no conflict with the accused before the shooting,” Mohapi said. He further claimed that Phuthego was not alone at the time of the incident, saying another person who was with him managed to escape. He also alleged that farm workers who were with the accused may have witnessed what happened. Mohapi expressed concern over the handling of the matter, saying although police have been providing updates, he is not fully satisfied with the progress of the investigation. He said the accused was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge was later changed to grievous bodily harm.
“When I asked the investigating officer about the change, I was informed that it followed advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said. Mohapi described Phuthego as a hardworking and respectful employee who had
worked for him for almost a year.
“He is an honest and hardworking young man who has always carried out his duties diligently,” he said. The employer said the incident has caused anger within the community, and some residents are concerned about alleged previous incidents involving the same farmer. These allegations include claims that dogs and donkeys were killed, although no independent verification of these claims has been provided.
Mohapi said the community wants the matter handled fairly and transparently. “My hope is that everyone, regardless of who they are, is treated equally before the law,” he said.
