Olifantshoek farm murder must be prioritized

18 August 2022

Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English & Afrikaans from Willie Aucamp, MP.

The murder of Bets Olivier and the attack on her husband, Andrew, on their farm near Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape, must be prioritised by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the same way that the Krugersdorp gang rape is being dealt with.

After meeting Andrew and his family yesterday to convey the Party’s deepest sympathies in person, I was shocked by the brutality of the deep wounds that had been inflicted on his wrists and ankles, and the trauma that has been imposed on him and his entire family following the loss of a wife and mother. See pic here.

The attack on the Oliviers has once again highlighted the vulnerability of farmers as well as the under-resourcing of the police and the critical need, as consistently raised by the DA, to get rural safety units up and running in order to protect rural communities.

Farming is the second highest contributor to employment in the Northern Cape. An attack on farmers is therefore an attack on jobs as well as an attack on food security and an attack on all of us.

What the Oliviers and the greater farming community need now, is the peace of mind that this crime will be treated as a priority crime, not just in words but in practise, and that the perpetrators will be speedily brought to book, unlike in the triple Brand murder case in Hartswater, where DNA results have been outstanding for a year and a half.

Farm attacks must be treated by SAPS just as seriously as other violent crimes

The DA will closely monitor the case through our court watching briefs, in an effort to hold the police accountable and to enable us to do what is within our ability to ensure that the investigation and court proceedings run smoothly and without delay, so that justice can be served.

Issued by Willie Aucamp, Constituency Head of Kalahari, 18 August 2022