The Free State community of Vredefort has been left devastated after a farm murder claimed the life of 71-year-old Dirk Steenkamp.

As reported by OFM, Steenkamp was attacked at 07:00 on Sunday morning when he was inspecting a water pump near his property. A gang attacked him after driving to the farm and proceeded to shoot him.

Steenkamp’s wife raised the alarm shortly after hearing the gunshots, as the attackers fled. She was left unharmed in the incident.

Farm murder in Free State

The senseless crime has raised some very uncomfortable, yet familiar questions about the volume of farm murders in South Africa. Another tragic loss of life has struck the farming community, and it’s something Democratic Alliance MP Patricia Kopane is vowing to atone for.

The Free State DA leader has reiterated her party’s calls to beef up resources in rural areas, in order to tackle crimes against farmers. Kopane says that all farm workers are increasingly at risk following SAPS cutbacks.

“The DA further calls on the SAPS to make all resources at their disposal available to track down and arrest the perpetrators of this horrific attack.” “Free State rural communities – farmers as well as farm workers – are increasingly at risk as the SAPS have limited personnel and resources to prevent violent crime in secluded rural areas.” “The DA has repeatedly called on government to establish specialised rural safety units within the SAPS to improve safety and security in rural areas.”

Calls to calm rhetoric on land

Kopane also implored “leaders of society” to quell their rhetoric regarding land reform. The ANC’s proposal to implement land expropriation without compensation has created an explosive debate, as South Africa moves towards a huge shift in policy.

As the DA MP puts it, “leaders of society” have to take responsibility on this issue, and avoid saying things that could incite violence:

“We further call on all leaders of society to condemn attacks such as these and refrain from using inflammatory language that may incite violence, especially during the debates surrounding land and land reform.” “What is needed is sober leadership to deal with the issues around rural safety as well as land and not populist rhetoric that could fuel conflict and violence.”

Police spokesperson Loraine Earl confirmed no arrests have been made as of yet.

[OFM]