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Afriforum has lodged an urgent appeal to farmers and rural residents to intensify their security and preparedness in the wake of at least seven farm murders that occurred nationwide this week.

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‘AfriForum urges farmers and rural residents to urgently get involved with their local neighbourhood or farm watches. The only way to curb these horrific attacks is for communities to mobilize and step up their preparedness,’ says Jacques Broodryk, the non-profit civil rights organisation’s spokesperson for community safety.

‘The brutal way in which these crimes are carried out is a clear indication that this is not just ordinary crime. AfriForum will continue to put pressure on the government and demand that farm attacks be declared a priority crime and receive the necessary attention from the authorities.’

Four people were killed in two separate incidents over the past weekend. In both, the elderly were targeted. As per Afriforum, Hennie and Anneke Claassen were reportedly tortured and murdered on a farm outside Ohrigstad in Limpopo.

Pierre and Belinda de Kock were murdered on their farm outside Piketberg in the Western Cape.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) also released a statement condemning the attacks. ‘The brutal murder of a prominent businesswoman and her family member at a farm in Limpopo, where their bodies were set alight while they were still alive, is an appalling and shocking crime. Such acts of violence have no place in our society, and those responsible must be apprehended swiftly and brought to justice.’

‘Additionally, the murder of Pierre and Belinda De Kock on their farm in Aurora, Western Cape, adds to the growing concern about the safety and security of our farming communities. We express our deepest sympathies to their loved ones and condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms.

‘The DA is gravely concerned about the rising number of farm murders in our country, which further underscores the urgent need for effective action to address this issue. We cannot stand idly by as our farming communities live in constant fear for their lives and face the devastation of losing loved ones. These farm murders threaten the country’s food security. Bheki Cele and his SAPS is clearly failing people in rural areas despite an existing rural safety plan.’

Furthermore, the DA plans to request the establishment of a commission of inquiry into farm murders. ‘This independent inquiry will allow for a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of these crimes and provide recommendations for comprehensive measures to safeguard our farming communities.’

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WC still troubled by child murders despite decrease in crime stats

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