Protesters at Bronkhorstspruit magistrate’s court call for harsher punishment for farm attackers

Protesters gathered at the Bronkhorstspruit magistrate’s court on Friday, calling for the court to deny bail to a 28-year-old man accused of being involved in a farm attack that happened in the area two weeks ago.

The accused, Nelson Gwembe, appeared briefly on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. He was arrested after being found in possession of a cellphone belonging to one of the victims.

Waldi van Zyl [64] was attacked by a group of men while working in his workshop two weeks ago.

The group assaulted Waldi and his wife Cynthia with tools from their workshop, demanding money.

The men allegedly used a grinder on Waldi’s leg to torture him, before tying the pair up.

They then took electrical appliances goods, jewellery, two firearms, cash and fled the scene in the couple’s Hilux bakkie.

“We need to show the government that we will not tolerate this,” said Freedom Front Plus provincial youth leader, Daniel Viljoen who was part of the demonstration that took place outside the court.

“People are very angry. It’s been years and years of farm murders and brutality. Yet the government just turns a blind eye to it,” he said.

“It is time we have our voices heard. We weren’t there to flip over any vehicles, we intended to send out a message.”

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Viljoen said the turn-out at the protest was a reflection of the number of affected people who wanted to put an end to farm murders.

“More than a thousand of us attended because we are ‘gatvol’.

“It hits a nerve among the Afrikaans community, because farming is big among them, when you hear that there has been a farm attack or murder,” he said.

Viljoen called for a minimum of 25 years, for anyone found guilty of farm murder and that attacks on farmers should be classified as a hate crime.

According to police, Gwembe took them to a house were a laptop belonging to the Van Zyl’s was found.

Five identikits of the other suspected robbers have been released and police have urged members of the public to assist in finding the men.

“The police are still searching for a stolen white single cabin Toyota Hilux with registration number YSH 728 GP,” said police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo.

“Anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation can please call the nearest police station or contact Bronkhorstspruit police station on 013-932-9222 or 013-932-9250 or 071-612-1937.”

The case was postponed to Thursday, 15 October, for a bail application.