Victims will do 1000 kms on quad bikes to raise awareness of farm murders
Five survivors of farm attacks will, with the support of AfriForum, cover a distance of 1000 kilometres during 26 to 29 September 2013, driving from Johannesburg to Durban to raise awareness of farm murders. The group will be known as the Frischgewaagd Dirt Riders, and will cross fifty farms where they will distribute pamphlets and literature in order to raise awareness of farm murders. The group will also appeal to the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, to prioritize farm murders.
One member of the group is Bernadette Hall, whose husband, David, was murdered in front of her on their farm, Frischgewaagd, near Fochville in the North-West. The accused were found not guilty because forensic evidence found at the scene was not properly analysed by the police. Hall managed to positively identify the accused as her husband’s murderers, and yet they were released.
The group will depart at 9:30 on 26 September from Carnival City in Johannesburg. They will stop overnight at the following towns:
- Standerton – 26 September 2013
- Newcastle – 27 September 2013
- Weenen – 28 September 2013
- Ballito – 29 September 2013
Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO of AfriForum, said that awareness of farm murders is vital, especially since Mthethwa is unwilling to prioritize the crime.
“The pro-active gesture by the survivors sets an example for every concerned citizen to become involved.”
The group will also raise awareness of AfriForum’s petition for prioritizing farm murders, which will be submitted to the Forum for Minority Issues at the United Nations in November. The petition is available online and can be signed at www.hoelanknog.co.za.