FF Plus condemns vicious murder of mother and son with disabilities

26 April 2021

The FF Plus in Mpumalanga strongly condemns the murder of Mrs Annemarie Botha and her son Ruan on a farm near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga at the weekend.

Mrs Botha's husband, Fanie, was busy patrolling the border fence of the farm where he works as manager when the perpetrators overpowered and murdered the victims. The cruelty of the attack heavily upset those who witnessed the scene of the crime.

Mr Botha found the bodies of his wife and disabled son late Saturday afternoon (24 April 2021) when he arrived home after work. According to the police, items were stolen from the Botha home.

The FF Plus too is shocked by the cruelty of the attack on these two vulnerable individuals – a cruelty that has become synonymous with farm attacks. It is indicative of a desensitised society.

The police's apparent inability to implement the ANC government's rural safety plan must also be condemned. Action must be taken to protect the rural community and yet the government is dragging its feet in this regard. It is absolutely unacceptable.

The FF Plus expresses its deepest sympathy towards Mr Fanie Botha and the victims' next of kin for their loss.

Statement issued by Werner Weber, FF Plus MPL and provincial leader: Mpumalanga, 26 April 2021