By Staff Reporter
ERMELO – A tragic land dispute has claimed the life of a well-known church leader, Bishop Fetjie Virginia Mngomezulu (61), who died after being struck by the hoe blades of a tractor in Elim Farm, Breyten, near Ermelo, on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Police in Breyten have opened a culpable homicide case and are continuing their investigation into the shocking incident.
Officers responded to reports of an accident along the N11 road, where they discovered two men at the scene — one of whom identified himself as Mr. James Mngomezulu, the husband of the deceased.
He told police that he had received a call from his farm dwellers informing him that a tractor was ploughing his field. Accompanied by a family friend, Mr. Xaba, he rushed to the farm to investigate. Upon arrival, his wife exited their vehicle and tried to stop the tractor by waving her hands.
Tragically, the driver did not stop and struck her with the hoe blades (discs) at the back of the tractor before driving over her. She died instantly.
It is further alleged that the tractor driver continued driving for almost 900 metres after the incident before finally stopping. Emergency medical services arrived and certified the bishop dead at the scene.
Police spokespersons have confirmed that no arrests have been made at this stage. The case file has been forwarded to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision on possible charges.
