[ad_1]
Vice President David Mabuza.
Photo by Gallo Images / Alet Pretorius
- Vice President David Mabuza said he was shocked by the murder of Glen and Vida Rafferty in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.
- Mabuza condemned the violent attacks against farmers and people in rural farming communities.
- He said he would institute a program aimed at curbing violent attacks against farmers.
Vice President David Mabuza says he has learned “with shock and dismay” of the brutal murder of farmers Glen and Vida Rafferty in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.
News24 reported that the couple were killed on their farm in Normandien, near Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal.
Unknown attackers shot the farm owner, 63, and his wife, 60, as well as their dog, according to police spokesman Capt. Nqobile Gwala.
In a statement, Mabuza said that he condemned the violent attacks against farmers and people in rural farming communities, highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector to the South African economy.
The vice president called on all South Africans to value farmers and agricultural workers and to be relentless in the search for a better country, where all people live in dignity and in peace with one another.
“This is what defines who we are as a nation and should be the guiding light within our communities. Even in difficult times, our prevailing challenges should not drive us to despair and to engage us in all that is against our humanity as a people. We must remain determined in building a better South Africa that values human life, “he said.
On Friday, Mabuza will convene the Interministerial Committee for Agrarian Reform and Agriculture in his capacity as president.
The meeting will focus, among other things, on specific programs aimed at curbing violent attacks against farmers, which Mabuza says have a negative impact on production and food security.
“The lives of farmers, peasants and peasants, as well as of all citizens of the country, black and white, matter; that is why the government will continue to work with the justice, crime prevention and security cluster to guarantee prevention as a priority in dealing with agricultural killings, “Mabuza said.
He called on the police to carry out full investigations and put the perpetrators on the books to ensure that justice is served for the victims.
