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The Inkatha Freedom Party has called on the government to prioritise the prevention of farm attacks and murders.
KZN MPL, Blessed Gwala said this comes after a new spate of farm murders in South Africa, prompting many urgent calls for the government to curb the surge, which has, no doubt, been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, the government seems reluctant to act with the urgency that this matter deserves,” he said.
Gwala said the latest murder involved a pregnant woman, who was killed during a home invasion on her farm in Weenen in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are of the view that farm murders should be declared priority crimes. However, the government refuses to declare farm murders, in particular, a priority crime, because as far as government is concerned, these acts of violence simply form part of the broader murder category.”
The IFP said; “this is unacceptable and irresponsible.”
Gwala said it was obvious that the government no longer considers the ongoing attacks on farms and the murder of persons involved in the farming community as a priority.
“Government must stop with their rhetoric on eradicating farm attacks and murders when nothing has changed. It is now high time that government starts to prioritise farm attacks and murders, and ensures the protection of farmers and farm dwellers,” he said.
