DA reaction to Terreblanche murder

The murder of Eugene Terreblanche will inevitably polarize and inflame passions in South Africa at a time when tensions are already running high. This could have tragic consequences and it is essential that all leaders stand together now, and call for calm. Violence has never been a solution to South Africa's enormous challenges. Now, more than ever, we must resist racial polarization, and continue to build the non-racial middle ground of people who want a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

The singing of songs such as "kill the Boer" creates a climate in which violence is seen as an appropriate response to problems, whether personal or collective. These words have been correctly described by the courts as hate speech. We urge all South Africans to stand together and reject incitement and threats of violence, that could destroy our capacity to build a shared future. We all have a responsibility towards one another. Let us exercise this now more than ever before.

Statement issued by Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille, April 4 2010

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