TAU SA releases half year figures on farm attacks
The bi annual figures on farm attacks and murders have been released by TAU SA today.
During in the first six months of this year 30 people were murdered on farms. This is the same number of murders which occurred during the corresponding period in 2013.
During the passed weekend Mr. Louis van Wyk, cousin of TAU SA President, Mr. Louis Meintjes, also passed away after he suffered serious injuries after an attack on his farm near Brits on 24 May 2014.
"What is worrying," said Mr Henry Geldenhuys, Deputy President of TAU SA and Chairman of the Security Committee, "is that the number of farm attacks increased from 106 last year to 124 this year. It is clear that the number of attacks are increasing. The fact that the level of fatalities did not increase accordingly, is most likely due to greater awareness among farmers as well as the fact that TAU SA's rural safetyplan is being implemented thus increasing the safety and security footprint."
In the light of the latest figures TAU SA welcomed the HRC's announcement that it would undertake an investigation into farm murders. "For many years we have called upon government to initiate a proper investigation into farm murders end in particular into the motives behind it. For some time know we have been asking questions about the true motive behind some murders, especially where people have beentortured and murdered without any significant indications of theft. The military precision with which some of the attacks were planned and executed also raise serious questions about who are behind it," said Mr Geldenhuys.
TAU SA will also make a submission to the HRC as part of its national campaign against farm attacks. Meanwhile TAU SA's internationalawareness campaign will continue. "The fact that the HRC is going to investigate the matter, sadly does not mean that active steps will be taken. That is why we are going to continue with the application of pressure. There is still a long way to go before we expect the Governmentto indicate whether it is willing or able to change the situation," said Mr Geldenhuys. "However, we are concerned that the HRC'sinvestigation into farm attacks may be overshadowed by a concurrent investigation into employment conditions on farms. The two issuesshould be investigated separately and separate conclusions should be made," said Mr Geldenhuys.
Yesterday morning the 55 year old Mr Rudolph Pretorius, a member of TAU SA, was murdered on his farm Bloempoort outside Groblersdal. TAU SA condemned this incident and sent his condolences to the Pretorius family.
Statement issued by TAU SA, July 8 2014
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