2015 saw the highest number of farm attacks in 15 years‚ with 318 attacks recorded and 64 farmers and workers murdered by blacks in South Africa....
A call has been made for residents to wear black today (Wednesday, April 27) in memory
Morné Potgieter, head of a private security organisation for farmers in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, said 26 farm attacks were reported to him in April alone.
Van Rooyen family farmThe latest brutal attack on the Van Rooyen family farm has left the Vryheid community in shock last week.
According to Neighbourhood Watch, who responded when the call for help came through, 15 attackers armed with AK47’s converged on the Van Rooyen home in the Swart Umfolozi area shortly after 8pm on Monday night and opened fire on the family.
It is believed that the attackers had been hiding among some trees on the property.
“Be alert,” advises Adriaan Botha of Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch. “Warn your loved ones who stay on farms to make sure they have adequate security in place and ensure they have open lines of communication with neighbours.”
Mr Van Rooyen was shot in the chest when he stepped outside to investigate why his dogs had started barking. As many as 50 shots were allegedly fired inside the Van Rooyen home.
His father in law, Ronnie Lombard, was critically wounded and succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Billy’s father, Lood Van Rooyen, was also injured in the attack, but has since been discharged from hospital. Six people, aged between 14 and 24, were later arrested after local farmers mobilized an operation.
“Be alert,” advises Adriaan Botha of Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch. “Warn your loved ones who stay on farms to make sure they have adequate security in place and ensure they have open lines of communication with neighbours.”
2015 saw the highest number of farm attacks in 15 years‚ with 318 attacks recorded and 64 farmers and workers murdered‚ a civil rights organisation and agricultural union TAU SA said.
Although 64 murders were also committed in 2010‚ there has been a gradual increase in farm murders since 2011‚ in which 48 murders on farms were committed‚ the organisations said.
“In the 318 farm attacks in 2015‚ 570 farmers‚ their families‚ workers and guests fell victim. In 40 cases 65 farm workers were direct victims. Although various families with small children and babies were attacked‚ it seems that older people are targeted more often‚” the union said.
http://northernnatalcourier.co.za/48584/call-for-black-to-be-worn-on-wednesday-in-protest-of-farm-attacks/?platform=hootsuite
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■ 2015 farm murders
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