FF Plus in Mpumalanga is outraged about senseless murder of Gerrit Stander during farm attack in White River

20 October 2020

The FF Plus herewith expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Gerrit Stander (38) who was brutally murdered in his home on a small holding in Plaston, White River.

Mr Stander was awoken by his dogs barking at about two o'clock yesterday morning; at that time, the attackers had already gained entry to his home, overpowered him and shot and killed him.

The FF Plus in Mpumalanga is currently busy sending queries to the relevant authorities about the area's sector policing and to determine whether the police service's rural safety plan was implemented by the White River police station, particularly with regard to visible policing on rural properties.

It is important to know whether a community policing forum was established in the area and whether priority meetings are held with residents on a regular basis. By the mouth of Mpumalanga's Commissioner, Gen. Bethuel Zuma, and the MEC for Safety, Mrs G.C. Tshabalala, the White River police must confirm to the FF Plus whether reservists have been taken into service locally and whether any efforts have been made to train them.

The FF Plus is of the opinion that posing questions to the authorities about this fatal incident is important for bringing about greater safety and security in the area and to determine whether the police have the resources they need to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.

The FF Plus also wants to know if the police made provision for visible policing in the Plaston region.

Issued by Werner Weber, FF Plus MPL and provincial leader: Mpumalanga,20 October 2020