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By Zainul Dawood 
15h ago
Durban – The northwestern farming community of KwaZulu-Natal will hold a prayer meeting in Normandien, near Newcastle, on Thursday in memory of murdered farmers Glen and Vida Homann Rafferty.
The couple was found dead in front of their home on Sunday. Both had been shot in an apparent robbery. Tamsyn Laura Rafferty said her in-laws were wonderful, forward thinking, generous, and deeply religious.
“They were the cornerstones of their community. We are shocked, heartbroken and cannot understand why this happened, ”he said.
Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the family and met with the agricultural community yesterday.
The minister also organized agricultural and community policing structures. He said that since last year there have been seven murders on farms in KwaZulu-Natal.
Cele said officials would return to Normandien in three weeks to do assessments and check if the local police station had adequate resources.
Farmer Janet Greyling Viljoen said Cele was asked many questions about her safety.
Sandy Hill said the couple had spent the fateful evening with her and her friends in Newcastle.
“We had a great time together. They awaited the arrival of their son Nathan and daughter-in-law Tamsyn for a visit. They left the city around 8:50 p.m. to get home before curfew. My heart is broken. Life had been a constant in my life. She had been by my side in all the setbacks of my life. She was the most loyal and amazing friend, ”Hill said.
Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala called on people to protect farmers from criminal elements.
“Farm killings remain a serious concern in the province. The ongoing slaughter of farmers goes against the spirit of ubuntu, ”he said.
Vice President David Mabuza is expected to convene the inter-ministerial committee on agrarian reform and agriculture tomorrow.
The meeting is expected to, among other things, focus on specific programs aimed at curbing violent attacks against farmers, which have a negative impact on food production and security.
“The lives of farmers, farm workers, and farm dwellers, as well as that of every citizen of the country, black and white, are important. That is why the government will continue to work with the justice, crime prevention and security group to ensure prevention as a priority in the treatment of murders on farms, ”Mabuza said.
Dianne Kohler Barnard, DA’s shadow Minister of State Security, said: “We are together in one South Africa, for better or for worse, and we must stop the racial bait and focus on keeping our citizens safe and our agricultural production safe.” .
African Christian Democratic Party MP Marie Sukers said people must speak out and act against violence and hatred.
The couple’s funeral would be held at their estate on Saturday.
Daily News
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