6 Farm attacks and 1 murder in 4 weeks rock Groblersdal

AfriForum has launched a resource analysis at the Groblersdal Police Station in Limpopo. This, following the murder of a farmer, Rudolf Pretorius (54) on his farm outside Groblersdal this morning. Mr Pretorius was shot, and died in the medicopter en route to hospital. His wife was also attacked.

"According to community members, police in this area have a gigantic task at hand as they have a serious shortage in manpower, vehicles and resources. AfriForum wants to establish what the extent of the shortages is to put pressure on the provincial SAPS office to attend to the matter with the necessary urgency," Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety at AfriForum said.

According to Cameron, one of the biggest problems with rural safety in South Africa is the police's lack in effectively leadership which leaves local police stations without support and maintenance.

Morné Mostert, Provincial Coordinator for AfriForum in Limpopo said they will support the community where needed and make sure that the police station gets the support it needs to operate effectively.

AfriForum is of the view that communities should mobilise to combat crime themselves, in partnership with the police. The South African Human Rights Commission has given the undertaking to hold a trial regarding farm attacks to, amongst others, determine whether the SAPS is doing enough to fight this crime.

Statement issued by Ian Cameron, Head: Community Safety, AfriForum, July 7 2014

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