The double murder that brought Vryheid to its knees on Tuesday night has evoked a wave of sadness and anger within the community.
Billy Van Rooyen (37) and his father in law, Ronnie Lombard (62) were ruthlessly gunned down on Tuesday night in a savage farm attack which left two people dead, one injured and two families devastated in its wake.
“The suspects robbed the injured victims of cash, before fleeing the scene… Two counts of murder, attempted murder and house robbery are being investigated by Gluckstadt SAPS,” stated police spokesperson, Major Thulani Zwane.
According to reports, six men were taken into custody for questioning after what some have described as an “act of terrorism” or a “military style attack” on the Van Rooyen farm. It is believed that , among those detained, were a security guard who worked at the farm and a former employee of Van Rooyen’s.
Due to an alleged “lack of evidence” however, the suspects were released.
“Ons harte gaan uit na die families wat deur hierdie tragedie moes gaan,” said AfriForum’s Area Co-ordinator and Community Safety Consultant, Eugene Van Aswegen. “Mense wat hul inkomste op ‘n eerbare manier verdien, en dan net so goedkoop vermoor word, is onaanvaarbaar. Gemeenskappe moet aanhou met teen misdaad inisiatiewe na die beste van vermoeë.”
In light of this most recent farm attack in our community, Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch will be hosting a free presentation by Karel Van Der Walt at Vryheid High School on April 27 at 1pm. Van Der Walt will discuss several aspects about farm attacks and day to day safety.
The blatant disregard for human life exhibited by these attackers is merely another nail in the coffin of the economy, with farmers being brutally murdered on a daily basis and nothing being done by those in power to curb the violent attacks on the farming community.
