Update

CRADOCK NEWS - Investigating officers into the murder of Patricia Orpen (78) and the attacker of Ina de Lange (74) on a neighbouring farm 10km outside Cradock will now depend on forensic evidence in both cases. 

No arrests have yet been made.

Orpen was found on her bed on the morning of 5 May. She had stab wounds to her upper body. On 29 May De Lange, was assaulted by a man, armed with a knife.

De Lange was standing outside her house at around 10.30am when a man dressed in black and wearing a balaclava grabbed her from behind and threatened her with a knife. She pressed the panic button, causing the alarm to go off. Police and security personnel rushed to the scene, but the suspect had escaped.

Cradock Police Spokesperson, Captain Lariane Jonker, did not want to elaborate on the possibility that more than one attacker could be involved in each case or if the two crimes are connected.

In the case of Orpen's murder, the police found evidence, such as her handbag, in her partially burnt-out bakkie, that was allegedly stolen and set alight by the suspects.

In the search for De Lange's attackers, two jackets were found on the escape route.

Jonker confirmed that all clothing and other items found in both cases were sent for forensic analysis.

In the meantime, farmers living on surrounding farms started a large scale search for the suspects.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects can contact the investigation officer, Detective Constable Siyabonga Ntsimango, on 078 084 9136.