WESKUS FARMER INJURED BY 'SKAAPDIEWE'

WEST Coast farmer Hugo Louw was left critically injured after confronting suspected sheep thieves near Lambert’s Bay, an incident that has renewed concerns about stock theft and rural safety in farming communities.

- BY MURRAY SWART

INJURED: Louw is in a critical condition

According to police, the 56-year-old man was assaulted on Thursday at about 11.55am on the R365 near a farm outside Lambert's Bay.

Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said the victim sustained several head wounds and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment while the circumstances surrounding the assault are under investigation.

Van Wyk said two suspects were later spotted hiding in bushes near the scene.