31-year-old faces murder charge after woman’s death on Philippolis farm

A court date had not yet been confirmed at the time of publication. The circumstances surrounding Van Wyk’s death remain under investigation.

PHILIPPOLIS, Free State: Police are investigating the events that preceded the death of 25-year-old Monica van Wyk at Koksfontein Farm near Philippolis on Sunday.

SAPS members were called to the farm at about 14:00, where Van Wyk was reported to have died after sustaining three open wounds to her head and bruising to her upper body. According to police, Van Wyk and the 31-year-old suspect had earlier spent time at neighbouring Driebad farm before returning to Koksfontein, where they were staying. It is alleged that an argument followed and that the pair later went to bed.

At about midnight, a further altercation reportedly occurred when Van Wyk wanted to leave the farm. It is alleged that the suspect prevented her from leaving before striking her on the body and head with an iron object.

The 31-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of murder. He is expected to appear in the Philippolis Magistrate’s Court.

A court date had not yet been confirmed at the time of publication. The circumstances surrounding Van Wyk’s death remain under investigation.