Another farm murder near Van Rhynsdorp reignites fears in the farming community

by | Dec 22, 2023

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WC MEC for Agriculture Ivan Meyer has condemned the attack, but national police remain indifferent as figures have risen by 21% in the third quarter of 2023

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The Western Cape farming community was disturbed by a recent brutal attack on 72-year-old farmer Willem van der Westhuizen and his wife, Christine, near Van Ryhnsdorp. The event has reignited concerns about the safety of farmers in the region.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Agriculture MEC, has unequivocally condemned the attack, echoing broader governmental concerns over the escalating frequency and brutality of farm attacks in South Africa. These incidents, marked by their ferocity and disregard for human life, have become a contentious and emotional issue deeply etched in the nation’s consciousness.

The assault on the Van der Westhuizen couple serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by farmers. Despite their crucial role in the economy and food security, farmers often find themselves exposed to ruthless attacks, many of which are racially motivated.

According to the studies of these events by AfriForum, who records farm attack incidents in detail and organises community safety programmes, the third quarter of 2023 witnessed a significant surge in farm attacks, recording a 21% increase compared to the preceding quarter.

AfriForum’s Community Safety Division documented 88 farm attacks, including 13 murders, from July to September 2023. This spike raises concerns about the overall crime levels, with AfriForum emphasizing the imperative expansion of community safety structures.

In recent years, while attacks have remained frequent, murders have become less common, with advanced community security initiatives having been developed in many parts of the country.

Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum Spokesperson for Community Safety, notes that the elderly, particularly those over 60, are the primary targets of these attacks. The data underscores the necessity for well-trained security structures operating within the legal framework. AfriForum, committed to pressuring the government on rural safety, aims to provide training, equipment, and support through its network of 169 community neighborhood and farm watches.

The national government continues to downplay these incidents, with official SAPS police reports not recording the majority of farm murders in their reports on the topic, records and details of which are maintained by AfriForum.

The ruling party continue to insist that the bulk of the blame for rural violence resides with foreigners and white people, as Minister Ronald Lamola repeated at a recent session at the United Nations.

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