Deputy President ‘shocked and saddened’ by murder in Normandien farm attack

Government ministers are due to meet in the next few days, to discuss among others ‘specific programmes aimed at curbing violent attacks on farmers, which has [a] negative impact [on] food production and security’, Northern Natal Courier reports.

In a statement published on the Presidency website and shared on Government social media platforms, Deputy President, David Mabuza shared his shock and dismay at the brutal murders of Glen and Vida Rafferty, who were attacked at their Normandien farm on Saturday night.

Deputy President David @DDMabuza calls for pursuit of a better nation and an end to #FarmMurders https://t.co/1NbCWna8It

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 31, 2020

Mabuza has called on South Africans to value farmers and farm workers, and urged SAPS to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators of the heinous crimes to book, ensuring justice is served for the victims.

“The lives of farmers, farm workers and farm dwellers, as well as every citizen of the country – black and white – matters. It is for this reason Government will continue to work with the justice, crime prevention and security sectors to ensure prevention as a priority in dealing with farm murders.”

Mabuza is expected to convene and chair the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture on September 4.

He also called on South Africans to be ‘relentless in pursuit of a better country’, where residents live with dignity and at peace with one another.

“This is what defines who we are as a nation and should be the guiding light within our communities. Even in difficult times, our prevailing challenges must not lead us to despair…”

ORIGINAL REPORT: Husband and wife killed in Normandien farm attack