Every murder in South Africa is one too many, but farm murders have a direct impact on everyone in South Africa because it jeopardises food security, says Dr Pieter Groenewald, leader of the FF Plus.
During today’s parliamentary debate on the evil of murder, which affects all South Africans on a daily basis, Dr Groenewald said that that the figure for murder in the world is 6,4 per 100 000 of the population, while the figure for murder in South Africa is 34,3 per 100 000.
“The chances of being murdered in South Africa are about five times greater than the world average. In the opinion of the FF Plus, every murder in South Africa is one too many.
“With regard to the trio crimes, which include carjacking, robberies at residential premises and robberies at non-residential premises, the figures have increased for the fifth consecutive year. Carjacking increased with 77,5%, robberies at residential premises with 33% and robberies at non-residential premises with 43%. We find ourselves in a violent country.
“I, however, want to emphasise farm murders because they have a bearing on everyone in the country. Whether you are white, black, brown or Indian, you have to eat. If there aren’t any farmers, there won’t be any food on your table. Every farmer that gets murdered has a direct impact on you.
“According to the Minister (Fikile Mbalula), I am making farm murders a political matter. He is wrong. Farm murders are supposed to be a priority in South Africa because it is inextricably linked to food security. The Minister should follow the example set by the Minister of Agriculture (Senzeni Zokwana), who yesterday asked people to pray for the farmers and their farm workers.
“But in stark contrast, the Minister is spreading fake news on social media. He is also spreading photos of the old South African flag, which are false and had nothing to do with yesterday’s protest.
“Yesterday’s protest came about spontaneously. It was not organised by a political party. The government needs to take notice because the farmers, and people of all races, are saying that “Enough is Enough”. The Minister must also stop making something political of it,” says Dr Groenewald.
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