Fritz Joubert is not a Commercial Farmer

The actions of Fritz Joubert over the weekend is viewed with shock and horror by Agri Eastern Cape. The man was clearly deranged and from information received, the actions of the SAPS members who attended the scene were clearly justified.

Fritz Joubert was an Eskom sub-contractor who lived on a small lifestyle property near Gonubie, outside East London and was not a farmer or a member of any organized agricultural organization. To refer to him as a farmer, to fuel anger towards the farming community is irresponsible and undermines the efforts of real farmers to build an inclusive, safe, non-racial sector.

The incident as reported on social media platforms will clearly anger any normal person. This must however be regarded as an isolated incident, perpetrated by an extremely disturbed person. What happened is tragic, but to direct public opinion against the farming community for cheap political points, must be guarded against.

We trust the SAPS will investigate this matter fully, as well as to the leadup of circumstances that led to Fritz Joubert's actions.

This statement is issued on behalf of Agri Eastern Cape by Doug Stern, President, 2 December 2019