Afriforum condemns reduction of sentence of farm attackers

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Afriforum has slammed the reduction of the sentences of two people convicted of attacking an Mpumalanga farmer and his wife in 2011.

Afriforum spokesperson, Ian Cameron, says the ruling by a Gauteng North Judge, had left him speechless.

He says the 35 year consecutive sentences imposed on Mzakwe Madonsela and Sipho Nkosi were reduced by 15 years on on appeal.

The two were convicted of brutally attacking Pieter and Henriëtta Botes on their farm, Remhoogte three years ago.

Cameron says they want the courts to impose tougher sentences for this type of crime.

"From our side it is completely unacceptable that any court can make this kind of ruling. These two attackers got in total a 35 year sentence and now suddenly it has been reduced to by 15 years. It just gives the message that this is not an important crime and now once again it is a losing battle. The police don't want to prioritise it and now we can't win the battle in court either" he said.