The case involving Anelle de Bruin (46), the wife of a well-known farmer from the Eastern Cape, who is accused of orchestrating a plan to have him killed under the guise of a staged “farm attack,” has been postponed by the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court.
De Bruin was taken into custody on January 9 and now faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
She made a brief court appearance on Wednesday, but due to outstanding statements, photo albums, and cellphone records, the prosecution requested additional time for further investigation, leading to the postponement.
Tip-off from a Middleman
Her arrest followed a police tip-off from a middleman whom she had allegedly approached to hire hitmen to murder her husband, Johan (56).
Reports indicate that De Bruin instructed the middleman to ensure Johan’s death, along with anyone who got in the way, on January 8. However, before the plan could be carried out, police intervened that evening and took her into custody.
Johan, her husband of 15 years, expressed shock at the allegations, stating that there were no known marital problems, leaving him confused about her alleged motives.
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According to the police investigation, De Bruin had already made an initial payment to the middleman and promised to settle the remaining amount once the murder was completed and insurance claims were processed.
Authorities believe she stood to gain over R50 million from her husband’s death.
Case Resumes on April 23
Allegedly, she was recorded instructing that after her husband was killed on their farm, the hitmen should also shoot the family’s dogs and puncture the vehicle’s tires to make it appear as a “farm attack.”
Additionally, De Bruin is accused of informing the middleman about the estimated response time of neighbouring farmers in such an emergency.
The case is set to return to court on April 23. She remains out on R2,000 bail under strict conditions, including that she does not return to the farm and only sees her children under supervision.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali emphasised that the NPA takes such cases seriously, as they impact community safety and security, and is committed to ensuring justice for crime victims.
