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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State condemns the attack on a family living on a farm on Saturday, 7 December 2024, in the Goedemoed district close to Rouxville, where a 52 year old farmer was killed and his wife kidnapped but later rescued.
The DA has called the attack ‘atrocious and senseless’ and has called on the protection of farmers as they play a crucial role in the economy of the country including food security.
“The DA commends the swift action of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Eyes to Ears Initiative (E2) that assisted with the apprehension of the suspects. Now, a thorough investigation must follow. Justice must be done!
Farm attacks continue to plague the farming community in the Free State, and many farmers and their employees feel increasingly unsafe in their homes and on their farmlands. This is largely due to an under-resourced SAPS, which remains ill-equipped to prevent these attacks and protect rural communities effectively,” said Werner Pretorius, the Head of Constituency in Mohokare Local Municipality.
According to Pretorius, the farm killings crisis requires proactive involvement with community-driven solutions that address the root cause of these crimes and will foster a safer environment for farmers.
He says farmers are the lifeline on which society depends, they put food on the nations’ tables, and they must be safeguarded. Pretorius says the DA’s Policing Bill aims to improve oversight of the SAPS in the province and empower the communities, enabling swifter action in times of crisis and strengthening preventative measures.
“The Free State’s farm attack crisis requires solutions beyond reactive policing. We need to strengthen the policing power of the province so that it will be more efficient and effective. We acknowledge organised agriculture’s brilliant work and local farmers who work together to establish community-based protective services, which continue to perform exceptionally and provide residents with a sense of security.
The DA is the only party in the country with a comprehensive plan to address rural safety and policing service delivery issues. We will continue our plight to improve provincial policing oversight and advocate that bodies currently supporting communities be provided with the resources to continue their brilliant work in our farming communities,” said Werner Pretorius.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, who have tragically become the next victims of farm attacks,” he extended his condolences.
Four suspects were arrested and one fatally wounded during a shootout with the police.
