Horror murders can be ascribed to silent Government – AfriForum

AfriForum has condemned the horror attacks yesterday on an elderly German couple and their son in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. This civil rights organisation says that the silence of the Government on farm murders may increase attacks on farmers, because Government is failing to assist the farming community with security.

The bodies of a farmer (76), his wife (65) and their son (33) were discovered on their farm in Richmond on Sunday, 2 March, after they were brutally attacked, tortured and eventually murdered. AfriForum believes that the murders could have been prevented if Government had considered the safety of farmers in the country a priority.

“We are appalled by the murders. They were inhumanly brutal, and yet Government refuses to speak out. This means that the Government is becoming an indirect accomplice,” said Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety for AfriForum.

AfriForum is working with the office of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal in order to set up meetings with the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Ngobeni regarding the spate of farm attacks in the region.

“We are aware of 5 attacks during 11 days. We are offering our assistance to communities in central KwaZulu-Natal to establish safety structures which will safeguard farmers,” said Chris Fourie, AfriForum Community Co-ordinator for KwaZulu-Natal.

AfriForum will send letters to ambassadors of various foreign countries during the week, to request them that foreign visitors be warned of violence in rural areas in South Africa.