Farm workers and farmers in a peaceful protest at the Sibasa Regional Court
16 June 2016: The prevalence of persistent crimes on farms from around the Nandoni Dam area has led farmworkers to protest, saying that the killing of farmers would mean killing their jobs.
Last Thursday, a group of farm workers and their employers protested against crime outside the Sibasa Regional Court. Waving banners with messages written on, they moved around publicising their plight: "Fed up with crime".
The farm workers say they have had enough of the never-ending crimes that are taking place around the area, saying it was a recipe for doom that would scare away farmers who were their bread and butter.
Their protest follows an attack that took place last year and other crimes that are continually taking place in the area. The attack last year at the Love and Peace Haven at Nandoni left Trisha Ehlers (31) injured after she was attacked with a knobkierie and pangas. A gun was also pointed to her, with the robbers demanding money from her during the attack. They also tied up her hands.
The attack took place while her husband, Chris, was not at their home. Three men were later arrested after intensive investigations.
One of the farm workers, Douglas Maluleke, said as workers they felt that they jobs were no longer secure if farmers were under constant attack. “There is too much crime around farms and as workers we fear that we could soon be without jobs and on the streets as our employers would either be killed or they might think of leaving their businesses because of crime. I have a family with two young children whom I am looking after and taking care of from the salary I am getting from my employer. Just imagine what would become of me if he decides to leave this area,” he said.
Maluleke further said they were also not safe because the thugs also targeted them. “We are here to give support to our employer and we will be very happy if the three accused are locked in jail for life. The community is not safe with them roaming the streets,” he said.
The victim's husband, Chris Ehlers, said crime had disorganised his business as he had lost important information that was on the laptop. The arrested suspects are Ndinannyi Maduka (24), Rudzani Makhaya (29) and Thuthani Munyani (23) They have been charged with house robbery. The case was postponed to 8 August.
http://www.zoutnet.co.za/articles/news/37330/2016-06-16/farm-workers-fed-up-with-crime
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