Bloemfontein - A well-known farmer from Villiers in the Free State is fighting for his life after he and his wife were attacked on their farm.
Jannie du Plessis, 64, and his wife Stinnie, 59, were attacked by robbers in their bedroom on Sunday night.
He was shot in the stomach and both were locked in their safe for several hours before being rescued.
The farmer’s brother, Johan du Plessis, said a miracle would have to happen for his brother to survive, reported Volksblad.
Du Plessis said one of his brother’s kidneys had to be removed but due to the heavy internal bleeding an operation and even dialysis treatment had not been possible.
His brother’s small intestine was also damaged. Du Plessis was receiving blood transfusions and also had diminished heart capacity due to three heart attacks he had suffered in the past.
“[Strictly] speaking he doesn’t stand a chance. We will need a miracle,” said his brother, who added that they were trying to remain positive.
Stinnie du Plessis was said to be badly traumatised by the incident and was struggling to cope.
The couple has two sons.
A farm union representative said the senseless attack on one of the community’s most prominent farmers had come as a shock to many.