Crime

20-Year-Old Man Fights Off Four Armed Attackers For Nearly An Hour During North West Farm Attack

Nomfundo Khumalo Published 10 hours ago

3 min read

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A 20-year-old man fought off four armed attackers for almost an hour during a terrifying home invasion at his family’s property in the Hartbeespoort area, near Brits, in the North West.

The attack took place during the early hours of Wednesday, 4 November 2026, when a group of intruders allegedly gained access to the property while the young man’s mother, Zelda, was inside the house.

According to the account provided by his mother, Marcus de Vrye confronted the attackers and fought desperately to prevent them from reaching her. The intruders were reportedly armed with knives, a garden fork and a hammer.

During the confrontation, Marcus managed to disarm one of the attackers who was carrying the garden fork. He also reportedly managed to push two of the men down a flight of stairs, with one briefly losing consciousness.

However, the situation escalated when additional attackers became involved in the confrontation.

Throughout the ordeal, the suspects repeatedly demanded to know where his parents were and asked him for the house keys. Marcus reportedly told them that his father was asleep and armed, while maintaining that he did not have the keys.

Unknown to the attackers, his mother was inside another section of the property and had not realised what was happening.

Marcus continued fighting the intruders for close to an hour before one of the attackers allegedly struck him in the back with a hammer.

The attackers eventually managed to overpower him, tied him up and proceeded to steal several personal belongings before fleeing the property.

The stolen items reportedly included a PlayStation, computer monitor, cellphone, headphones, Wi-Fi router and speaker.

Despite the weapons used against him, his mother confirmed that none of the blades managed to pierce his body.

One of the most distressing moments for Zelda came when her son eventually reached her door, still tied up and covered in blood. She described the sight of her injured son, who had endured the confrontation to keep the attackers away from her, as an image she would never forget.

Marcus later explained that he had been praying throughout the ordeal that his mother would remain inside and not come outside while he was fighting the intruders.

He reportedly told her that he would rather face the attackers alone than risk her coming into danger.

Following the incident, Private Protection Services (PPS) Security assisted the family. According to Zelda, two police officers arrived approximately 30 minutes after the attack, with forensic personnel and detectives subsequently attending the scene.

The family reportedly received a police case number by approximately 07:00 that morning.

Zelda expressed her gratitude to the security personnel and responding officers who assisted following the incident.

The family has since reviewed and strengthened security measures at the property. Zelda also urged residents to regularly inspect their alarm systems, electric fencing and other security equipment, particularly following thunderstorms and lightning that could potentially affect security infrastructure.

Police had not confirmed the incident or provided further details at the time of the reports.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by residents during violent home invasions, as well as the devastating impact such attacks have on families and their sense of security.