The four men accused of the brutal attack on North West cattle farmer Donovan Marx have abandoned their bail application and will remain in custody.
Phindile Alex Nomngcayi, 30, Thomas Thabo Motlhangtlhong, 27, Mothoka Godfrey Mathipa, 56, and Mokhema Jan Maishoane, 53, appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court following the attack on Marx’s farm near Syferfontein.
Their legal representatives confirmed in court that they would not pursue bail at this stage. The case was postponed to 15 February next year after the State requested more time to obtain cellphone records, ballistic reports and other outstanding investigation material.
The accused face charges including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The State has described the alleged attack as a “planned and premeditated offence”.
All four accused remain in custody.
Marx, a 50-year-old cattle farmer, was discharged from Mediclinic Potchefstroom on Thursday after spending more than two weeks in hospital. He was shot, stabbed and allegedly had both ears cut off during the attack on his farm.
His release was met by an emotional welcome from family members, friends and hospital staff. Marx walked out with his head bandaged while those around him sang With the Power of God.
His wife, Louise, and the rest of the family described the discharge as a major milestone, but said he still faces a long and difficult recovery.
“It was a touching, emotional and powerful moment of praise, one the family will not easily forget.
“All glory to God,” the family said in a statement on Thursday night.
The family thanked the medical staff who cared for Marx and the thousands of South Africans who prayed for him during his hospitalisation.
“South Africa, please do not stop praying for us. We are incredibly grateful for how far the Lord has already brought us, but a long road to recovery still lies ahead. We still need your prayers,” the family said.
The family also asked the public to pray for the court proceedings and for the people involved in the investigation and prosecution.
“The family asks for wisdom and guidance for the investigating team, the prosecuting authority and the court, and trusts that the legal process will take its proper course,” they said.
The accused appeared briefly in court after the State requested additional time to complete outstanding investigations. Cellphone records and ballistic reports are among the evidence still being obtained.
Nomngcayi previously worked for Marx for five years and lived on the farm. In court, it emerged that he had provided the farm as his residential address, but the State refused to accept it for the purposes of the bail proceedings.
Police initially arrested five suspects in connection with the attack. One of them later became a State witness after investigators established that he allegedly knew about the planned attack but did not actively participate in it.
The four remaining accused are also accused of assaulting farmworker Christopher Jinga. Jinga was allegedly restrained with cable ties while the attackers waited for Marx to return to the property.
The attack took place on Wednesday, 28 October, hours after Marx’s wife had left for work.
According to the allegations, two suspects approached Marx when he returned to the farm. He was shot in the upper body before being dragged into the house.
The attackers allegedly tied his hands and feet with cable ties, stabbed him and cut off both his ears. They then ransacked the property, stole three firearms from a safe and fled in Marx’s bakkie.
A farm worker who had also been restrained later managed to free himself and call for emergency assistance.
Marx was taken to hospital and spent time in intensive care. His condition later improved after a brief medical setback.
On 5 November, his family shared a photograph of Marx smiling alongside Louise at his hospital bedside and described his survival as a miracle. His discharge more than two weeks after the attack marked another significant step in his recovery.
The family has said that Marx and Louise have chosen not to focus on the trauma of the past, but instead on his recovery, their faith and the support they have received.
“Thank you for every prayer. Thank you for every message of love. Thank you for standing with us. Above all, all honour, praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father,” the couple added.
The court case will return to the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 15 February next year. By then, investigators are expected to have had more time to obtain the outstanding cellphone and ballistic evidence.
The accused will remain in custody while the investigation and legal process continue. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
For Marx and his family, the court proceedings will unfold alongside his lengthy physical recovery. His hospital discharge brought relief and hope, but the injuries he suffered in the alleged attack have left him facing a difficult road ahead.
The family has asked South Africans to continue praying for Marx as he recovers and for the court process to proceed fairly.