‘Stop farm murders,’ protesters outside the Union Buildings demand

Thousands of bikers from across the country gathered outside the Union Buildings, calling for an end to farm murders, gender-based violence, and racism on Saturday.

Without any permission from authorities, the ‘Stop farm murders’ movement went on ahead with its demonstration, which saw crosses and flowers being placed at the gates of the Union Buildings.

“We need to follow through with the rainbow nation and unite against these crimes,” said organiser Tommie Blignaut.

Blignaut said he was proud of the bikers who managed to pull the event off in an organised way. He said the event, which saw people from Mpumalanga, the Free State, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Western Cape attend, was a major success.

“This is what happens when we hold hands and do something productive. “Our voices have certainly been heard.” The group also called for the death penalty to be reinstated against those found guilty of killing farmers.

Protester Roger Ellis drove from Kempton Park to place a cross at the Union Buildings as a way of sending his message.

“We are here to support a very worthy cause aimed at preserving the lives of our farmers,” he said.

“Authorities handle farm murders like normal murders. We need them to be classified separately. “There is a specific targeting of farmers and it needs to stop. All lives matter.” Another protester, Vania Nortje, said farmers had no one speaking out for them as they faced death on a daily basis. “I don’t agree with the death penalty. I am not God.

But I do think that there is a need to protect our farmers. “More can be done to prevent the violence against them.” A prayer session was held where the bikers asked for God’s help in ending farm murders.

Protesters also called for an end to racism. Blignaut said another protest was planned for 5 September in which motorists would participate.