Congratulations to farmers for prompt action

TAU SA wishes to congratulate the farmers from Leeudoringstad in Northwest. A farmer was murdered and subsequent action by farmers resulted in the apprehension of the criminals when two murderers paid with their lives (see report).

TAU SA's Deputy President and Chairman of the Safety Committee, Mr. Henry Geldenhuys, at the same time expressed his utmost dissatisfaction with the fact that one of the murderers of Mr. Johan van Rensburg was apparently also convicted previously and sentenced to 15 years in jail for armed robbery.

"Something is wrong with the system if convicted criminals are released on bail at an early stage without being rehabilitated in society to continue with their evil. This is unacceptable to the community and reflects a blot on the state's criminal justice system. Penalties should be so severe that professionalcriminals serve long sentences preventing them from repeating their hideous crimes once released" Mr Geldenhuys said.

Meanwhile Mr. Geldenhuys is also concerned about rumors that the farmers might have to stand trial for murder and evenbe arrested. "They only protected their own people and community, which they did successfully. To prosecute those peoplewill send completely wrong message to criminals."

"This incident has proved that rural communities can be highly effective when they are organized in their own farm watch with their communications and response capabilities. TAU SA encourages farmers to continue to organize themselves in farm watch structures for their own safety."

Statement issued by TAU SA Deputy President and Chairman of the Safety Committee, Mr. Henry Geldenhuys, October 27 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter