He never reached the Free State... Queenstown Free Press (June 1883). Transcribed by Sunelia Heath. Supposed Horrid Murder at Tygerhoek. A correspondent writes to the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser:- A trader, by name Jacob van Rensburg VAN NIEKERK, on his way from Paarl to the Free State, arrived late on the night of Tuesday at the above farm, asked and obtained leave to outspan, purchasing and paying for a joint of mutton with which he appears to have returned to his cart, and subsequently to have gone to sleep on the cushions of the cart placed upon the ground, and it is presumed his boy lay down within 6 or 7 feet feet on a sack, and from there drove a rifle bullet through his master’s head, as he slept; then, decamping with rifle, ammunition and contents of his master’s pockets, &c., the body being found in the morning apparently not having moved. As the servant had not been seen by any person, owing to the late arrival, it was not possible to give a description of him. Immediate information was sent to the R.M. at Murraysburg, who left the following morning with the District Surgeon and Chief Constable (a six hours’ journey). As soon as depositions were taken, which lasted until too late to travel, and a post mortem examination was made, it was decided that the Chief Constable should go to the last outspanning place, Waaifontein, when he ascertained the servant was a youth about 16 or 17 years of age, and subsequent telegrams state he was engaged at Beaufort West. They had only parted from some fellow-travellers at Waaifontein. There the lad can be recognised, as also the rifle, by the people. The trader’s satchel was not taken, and was found to contain promissory notes, &c., to a good amount, it further appearing he had undertaken the collection of monies for other parties. We await the inquest, and until such time it will be as well to be content herewith. [jhc]
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 05:19:59 +0000
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