In only 16% of the farm attacks that took place in the Free State between April 2019 and May 2023, the suspects were caught.
This is according to Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for community safety, roads and transport, on a question from the DA in the Free State legislature.
According to the MEC, 222 farm attacks, including 54 murders, were reported between April 2019 and May 2023 in the Free State. In only 36 of the attacks were suspects arrested and there were only five successful convictions.
“Residents on farms remain vulnerable to farm attacks in the Free State, which are accompanied by brutal acts of violence against victims. The use of slogans such as “Kill the Boer, Kill the farmer” by EFF leader Julius Malema and even ANC supporters at times is irresponsible and can be interpreted by perpetrators as justification for their brutal farm attacks and farm murders,” Roy Jankielsohn believes. , the DA leader in the Free State.
Members of the Free State Legislature from the ANC and EFF attempted to downplay, and even justify, farm attacks by accusing farmers of illegal evictions, says Jankielsohn.
“However, the MEC replied that between April 2019 and May 2023, only five cases of illegal evictions were lodged with the police, of which four were withdrawn and only one is still being investigated.
“The DA has consistently indicated that politicians must report illegal activities. The statistics indicate that their comments are mere bluster and add fuel to misleading political campaigns against our farming community.”
Jankielsohn says the few farmers left in South Africa cannot be held responsible for the country’s history of race-based discrimination and division.
“Farmers are business people who ensure our food security and put everything possible into their contributions to employment and our rural economies.”
