A 67-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife endured more than three hours of violence and torture when three armed men broke into their game farm in Broederstroom, North West province, South Africa.
Les Brett and his wife, Natasha, were attacked at approximately 7.30pm on Sunday, November 1, at their property about 60km north of Johannesburg.
The masked intruders reportedly stripped the couple naked, beat them and poured boiling water on them while demanding access to their safe.
The attackers were particularly interested in obtaining the keys, but Brett initially refused to surrender them.
The violence escalated when the men used bolt cutters to injure Natasha’s nipples and repeatedly threatened to rape her.
Her husband was forced to watch as the attackers placed an AK-47 rifle inside his mouth.
Brett reportedly sustained several injuries, including wounds that could require surgery.
The ordeal eventually ended when he handed over the safe keys.
Seven Firearms and Other Valuables Stolen
After gaining access to the safe, the attackers escaped with seven firearms of different calibres and ammunition.
They also took two mobile phones, a laptop, cash and other personal belongings before fleeing the property.
The couple raised the alarm shortly after the attack.
SRU High Risk Security reportedly received an emergency call at approximately 10.30pm and arrived within four minutes, accompanied by paramedics.
According to Arthur Crewe of SRU, the couple had suffered burns from boiling water, severe beatings and stab wounds.
The security organisation warned that firearms stolen during farm attacks could subsequently be used in other criminal activities.
Residents were advised to remain indoors if they noticed suspicious movements or heard unusual noises, while ensuring their doors and windows were properly secured.
Police Investigate Incident as House Robbery
Hartbeespoortdam police confirmed that they were investigating a house robbery involving three unidentified suspects.
In a statement, police said the attackers allegedly entered the property through an unlocked wooden sliding door on November 1, 2026.
The suspects were described as three masked men who allegedly demanded money, claiming they knew that one of the occupants operated a kiosk at a nearby resort.
Police said the attackers subsequently accessed a safe and stole seven licensed firearms registered in the male victim’s name, alongside ammunition and electronic equipment.
The statement also identified the male occupant as someone who operates an anti-poaching school.
Police acknowledged that he sustained injuries during the incident and sought medical attention after allegedly having hot water poured on him while the attackers attempted to obtain information.
However, the police account described his injuries as minor, while the couple’s security representatives reported more extensive injuries.
No arrests had been announced in connection with the Broederstroom attack.
Couple’s Friend Criticises Police Response
Warren Geddes, a friend of the couple, condemned the attack in a Facebook post, describing the treatment of the victims as particularly disturbing.
He also questioned the police response, claiming that the incident was being handled as a house robbery despite the prolonged violence inflicted on the couple.
Geddes further alleged that local residents recognised the three suspected attackers from previous incidents and accused the authorities of failing to take action against them.
Brett Has Military and Anti-Poaching Background
Les Brett is a former member of the Special Forces and Police Service with experience in training military and law enforcement personnel.
His previous training work has included British armed forces personnel, HM Customs and Excise enforcement officers, and members of the United States Special Forces.
His areas of expertise include bushcraft, tracking and field survival.
More than 20 years ago, he established Dung Beetle Bush School, an initiative focused on tackling poaching and supporting wildlife conservation.
Farmer Donovan Marx Loses Both Ears in Separate Attack
The Broederstroom incident follows another violent farm attack involving 50-year-old Donovan Marx, who was assaulted at his property in Syferfontein, near Ventersdorp, in the North West province.
The attack occurred last Wednesday when three armed men wearing balaclavas confronted a farmworker who was mowing the lawn.
The suspects reportedly demanded to know the whereabouts of the property owner before restraining the worker with cable ties.
When Marx arrived in his red Isuzu pick-up truck, two of the attackers allegedly approached him and shot him in the upper body.
They dragged him into the house, tied him up and repeatedly stabbed and assaulted him before cutting off both his ears.
The attackers subsequently searched the property, removed three firearms from a safe and escaped in Marx’s vehicle.
The farmworker managed to free himself and alert others to the incident.
Marx was taken to Mediclinic Potchefstroom in a serious condition and underwent emergency surgery.
His family later confirmed that surgeons had removed part of his large intestine but had been unable to save his ears.
Five Suspects Arrested Following Marx Attack
Police arrested two suspects in the Ventersdorp area on Saturday before apprehending three additional suspects in Promosa, near Potchefstroom, on Sunday, November 1.
The arrests followed investigations into the attack on Marx and the theft of firearms from his property.
Hammanskraal Homeowner Also Attacked
Another robbery was reported in Vasfontein, Hammanskraal, during the early hours of last Tuesday.
Three men allegedly broke into a homeowner’s property, fired a gunshot and struck the resident on the forehead.
According to police spokesman Captain Johan van Dyk, the attackers forced the homeowner to open his safe before escaping with cash and household belongings.
The three incidents have added to a series of violent attacks on residential and farming properties across South Africa.
