47 Farm murders a tragic loss
12 September 2019
Agri SA is concerned about the number of farm murders that was announced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) today. Although this figure is a decrease from the 62 farm murders in the previous financial year, it remains enormous and amounts to almost four murders a month. The deceased were part of close communities and their murders are a tragic loss.
“Attacks on the farming community and the brutality of these attacks, are unacceptable and have assumed alarming proportions,” says Tommie Esterhuyse, chair of Agri SA’s Centre of Excellence: Rural Safety. “Everything possible must be done to protect these communities, who are responsible for food security in South Africa.”
Although the farm murder rate is among the lowest recorded in the past few years, it does not mean that the agricultural sector should lessen its vigilance. The trend looks promising, but the reality remains that 47 murders are still 47 too many.
"There have been farm attacks and murders for decades. Drastic action, supported with the necessary political will, is needed to prevent it."