DA Condemns brutal murder of a Rustenburg farmer

Issued by Gavin Edwards MPL – DA North West Spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development
22 Sep 2022 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbite in English and Afrikaans by Gavin Edwards MPL.

The DA condemns the gruesome murder of a 68-year-old Rustenburg farmer yesterday morning.

The farmer was brutally attacked at his home shortly after his life partner left for work. The local security company responded to an emergency call along the Modderfontein M28 road at around 10am.

The farmer was hacked to death with pangas before his house was ransacked by the perpetrators.

Following a swift response by private security and the South African Police Service, a suspect was apprehended after being found in possession of firearms and stolen goods belonging to the victim.

Subsequently two more suspects were arrested by the police. One of the suspects was detained for being in the country illegally, while police continue with further investigations.

The DA would like to applaud the swift response by private security as well as the South African Police for affecting arrests, however this incident is a clear example of the failure of the SAPS in this province to implement a rural safety plan.

Our condolences go to the family of the farmer. The DA will monitor this case closely and implores that justice is served.

Rural communities are at great risk of crime due to their isolation. Stock theft saw a 10% increase in the last quarter compared to the same period the previous year, and many of the perpetrators go unabated. To combat farm attacks, theft and murder, more police resources need to be directed towards rural communities.

Crime has spiralled out of control in the North West, with Rustenburg Police station recording a 6.7% increase in serious crimes reported.