THE Democratic Alliance has voiced outrage, following the brutal murder of a 64-year-old KwaZulu-Natal farmer's wife and the shooting of her 70-year-old husband, in what local farmers believe is an act of intimidation.

The attack, which took place late yesterday afternoon in the Estcourt area, has been met with shock and anger by DA uThukela constituency leader, Tom Stokes. "The senseless murder of an elderly woman and the attack on her husband is yet another tragedy for our country and the DA extends its deepest condolences to the family and to the farming community of Estcourt.  This horrific incident highlights the need for all South Africans, particularly public figures, to behave in a responsible manner - the situation is only aggravated by the singing of so-called struggle songs that advocate the killing of farmers."

Stokes' comments come after ANCYL President, Julius Malema, last week took to the stage during a public appearance, singing a song promoting the killing of farmers.

"Malema's actions, along with subsequent attempts by the ANC's Gwede Mantashe to justify his conduct, stand in stark contrast to the pain and suffering being experienced by this family and the many others before them.  Any argument by the ANC, that this particular song is merely a preservation of struggle literature, ring hollow in the face of a family that has lost a wife, mother and grandmother.  This concrete reality gives lie to any need to preserve violent literature."

Statement issued by Tom Stokes, MPP, DA KZN Constituency Leader - Amajuba, March 15 2010

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