Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer has condemned a recent surge in violent attacks targeting farmers, agricultural workers and rural communities, warning that such crimes threaten both livelihoods and the province’s economy.
His remarks follow two separate incidents in the West Coast and Overberg regions that have intensified concerns about rural safety.
On Monday, Meyer attended the first court appearance in Lamberts Bay of suspects accused of violently attacking a farmer after he confronted alleged stock thieves along the R255.
The victim, identified only as Mr Hugo, was reportedly assaulted during the confrontation. Local farmers and residents gathered outside the court in support of the victim and to demand justice.
Describing the incident as “brutal and violent”, Meyer urged the court not to grant bail to the accused.
“My plea is that no bail should be granted. Together with the farmers of the West Coast, I am seeking justice for the victim,” he said.
“The perpetrators must face the full might of the law and be punished to the fullest extent.”
Meyer said the increasing frequency and severity of attacks in rural areas were deeply concerning.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by these violent attacks. Each assault on a farmer or agricultural worker is an attack on food security, the agricultural economy and the wellbeing of rural communities,” he said.
The concern follows another incident reported last Friday in the Swellendam area, where two elderly tourists staying on a guest farm were forced to fend off three masked attackers.
According to Meyer, such crimes not only endanger farming communities but also threaten the province’s tourism industry.
“Farm attacks must stop,” he said.
While commending the response by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and rural safety structures, Meyer said stronger measures were needed to combat rural crime.
“The South African Police Service must be significantly better resourced and must work much more closely with local law enforcement agencies to effectively combat rural crime,” he said.
He added that improved police visibility, stronger investigative capacity and deeper collaboration with neighbourhood watches, farm watches and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture were essential to protecting rural communities and the provincial economy.
Meyer also encouraged residents, particularly those living in rural areas, to make use of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Rural Safety Helpdesk to report incidents or safety concerns.
The minister expressed support for the victims and their families and wished the injured farmer a speedy recovery, reaffirming the Western Cape government’s commitment to improving rural safety.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za