DA calls for ‘Commission of Inquiry’ into farm murders

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has conveyed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of farm murders that occurred over the weekend in Limpopo and the Western Cape province.

A prominent businesswoman and her family member were killed at a farm in Limpopo, where their bodies were set alight while they were still alive. At another incident in the Western Cape, two elderly members of the De Kock family were murdered on their farm in Aurora.

“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. It is deeply troubling that there have been a total of five farm murders this weekend alone.

“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,” the Party said.

The DA further stated that Bheki Cele and the South African Police Service (SAPS) are failing the people living in rural areas “despite an existing rural safety plan.”

A farm murder report in South Africa, recently published by Afriforum, shows that for the first quarter of 2023 there were at least 77 farm attacks, nine of which were murders. The report also found that most attacks happened in Gauteng, while the second most recorded were in the Northwest province.

Furthermore, Afriforum’s report indicated that most of the farm murder victims are over the age of 60 and that most attacks took place on weekends.

“Considering these alarming incidents and in line with our Congress Resolution that was adopted with a resounding majority, the Democratic Alliance will write to the President 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,” the DA added.