By Olebogeng Molale
A group of Hartswater residents under the Frances Baard district municipality held protest outside the Hartswater Magistrate court in the Northern Cape last week Thursday, calling for government to take more action against farm murders. This comes after a family of three was attacked, abducted and killed on Sunday, 26 July, at their smallholding in Hartswater. The residents have called for the state to deny bail for the five accused of being behind the brutal killing of the three family members.
The victims, a couple, Danie Brand (83) and Breggie Brand (73), were found dead on Tuesday, 28 July after they were attacked on their farm and kidnapped .The body of their 50-year old daughter, Elizabeth was found at Takaneng, Taungn the North West on the same day. Most of the residents were carrying placards saying “Stop farm killings”, “No bail for farm murderers”
One of the protesters, Keamogetse Montleng indicated that they want government to do more in protecting farmers around the Northern Cape. “The government is not doing anything about our farmers being murdered by these criminals, particularly here in Hartswater we can’t take it anymore”, she expressed.
The case against the five accused was postponed to 13 August by Magistrate Doctor Jameson, stating that the accused are facing serious charges so they should get legal representation for the court to continue with their bail application. The suspects will remain in custody until the formal bail application has been processed. The defendants are facing three charges; murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.
This case got attention from the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza who has condemned the incident. Didiza has applauded the swift response by the South African Police Service who arrested the five suspects. The Minister said the arrest will bring confidence to the justice system and send a strong message to criminals, that there is no place for criminal activities in our country.
“On behalf of the agricultural sector I wish to convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the victims,” said Minister Didiza.
The Minister has called on all stakeholders in the Agriculture sector to remain alert and vigilant against farm attacks and killings as they negatively affect food security and food production.
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