Farm Attacks Affect All South Africans as Free State Rocked by Another Attack

The DA said it was shocked to learn of another farm attack that took place on the farm, Jakkelsdraai, outside Hertzogville, in the Tokologo Local Municipality, Free State, on Saturday night. International media have described the latest spate of attacks in SA as “almost unthinkable” in any other country.

Leona Kleynhans MPL – DA Member in the Free State Provincial Legislature – says this now brings the total of farm attacks in the province to 16 this year alone.

It appears that the criminals intended to steal sheep, but their plans were thwarted by farmworkers Jan Makgetla and his wife.

Although the South African Police Services (SAPS) was called to the scene, no suspects were found… but later when the Makgetlas returned home, they were brutally attacked. Mr Makgetla was stabbed several times and his wife was severely assaulted.

The couple has received treatment and both are now recovering at home.

The farm owner, Sarel Bornman, has said he will now improve security at the homes of farmworkers on his farm.

Kleynhans said: “One farm attack is one too many. Our rural communities are left vulnerable and exposed to criminal elements. This can no longer be tolerated.

“Farm attacks affect us all.”

South African Murders Make International News

Meanwhile, the latest spate of attacks has made news around the world, particularly following the horrific murder of a British woman Sue Howarth in Dullstroom. Although she had lived in the area for about 20 years, her murder still made headlines back in the UK. The malicious and brutal attack – including her and her husband being stabbed and tortured for hours with a blowtorth – left her unrecognisable and shocked much of the planet.

Australia’s News.com.au wrote: “In any other country, such a crime would be almost unthinkable. But in South Africa, these kinds of farm attacks are happening nearly every day. This year so far, there have been more than 70 attacks and around 25 murders in similar attacks on white farmers.”

The DA has again reiterated its call on government to immediately reintroduce specialised rural safety units within the SAPS that will be better equipped to combat this scourge.