17-year-old accused of raping, robbing and murdering a 79-year-old woman appears in court
Valarie Enziar
Image: Facebook
A 17-year-old boy has appeared in the Wynberg Regional Circuit sitting as the Western Cape High Court in connection with the brutal rape, robbery and murder of 79-year-old equestrian Valarie Enziar on her farm near Ladismith, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the rural community.
Enziar, who had lived on her farm, Doringkloof, for nearly two decades, is remembered by those who knew her as a kind-hearted and gentle soul who deserved to spend her later years in peace, safety and dignity.
Instead, her life was cut short in a violent attack.
The accused, who cannot be named as he is a minor, was 16 years old at the time of the incident and comes from Van Wyksdorp, a town close to the farm.
He now faces multiple serious charges, including rape, murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. In addition, he has been charged under the Older Persons Act, which provides added legal protection to elderly victims of crime.
At court, the teen seemed very confused, accompanied by his mother, who indicated that she does not understand English very well.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred on or about 14 July 2025. The State is set to prove that Enzier was assaulted, raped and strangled during the attack. Her body was later discovered on the stoep of her home by a farm worker, prompting an immediate investigation.
The indictment further states that the teenager forcibly took several items from Enzier’s property. These reportedly included a horse, a cellphone, a laptop, and other personal belongings.
Details surrounding how the teenager allegedly gained access to the property remain unclear, as the trial is still in its early stages,
Investigations further allege that the suspect used Enziar’s bank cards at local shops shortly after the incident, which ultimately led to his arrest.
The case has also drawn renewed attention to safety concerns in rural areas. Advocacy group AfriForum previously indicated that, in the weeks leading up to her death, Enzier had raised repeated concerns about criminal activity on and around her farm. These included fences being cut, animals being poisoned, and incidents of illegal grazing. It is alleged that despite her complaints, she received little to no assistance from authorities.
As the trial begins to unfold, the State is expected to present evidence to support its claims that the accused carried out the attack and subsequent robbery. The defence has yet to fully outline its case.
The trial continues.