While South Africa was united in a previously unheard-of protest action against the senseless violence whereby our country’s farmers are targeted and slaughtered, the latest news is that Mr Sarel Erxleben from Deneysville was shot and killed in his house during an armed robbery, which only serves as proof of the massive problem our country is facing, says Jan van Niekerk, leader of the FF Plus in the Free State.
Van Niekerk and many other FF Plus representatives took part in protest actions across the Free State today.
“It is the duty of political parties, civil rights organisations and every South African to build on the momentum and solidarity created by the Black Monday protest action.
“We have got to do more than wear black clothes and participate in protest marches. We need to demand real solutions to this problem of senseless violence against the vulnerable members of society. It is also our duty to protect ourselves and our loved ones against such attacks by making sure we are aptly prepared.
“A ray of hope is that a farm attack was averted on Sunday night near Marquard in the Free State. The Pilcher couple from the farm Wildebeeslaagte heard noises outside their bedroom window just after ten o ‘clock on Sunday night.
They heard a window break and Mrs Pilcher fired a shot in the direction of their bedroom window when they noticed someone climbing in through the window. The attackers fled the scene. The Pilchers were able to avert the attack thanks to the fact that they were prepared and acted quickly.
“It is of the utmost importance that all South Africans, and the farming community in particular, aptly prepare themselves for such attacks.
“We are thankful that the Pilchers are unharmed, but we mourn the fact that they were targeted by criminals in the first place.
“The FF Plus also offers its sincerest condolences to the family of Mr Erxleben and undertakes to put pressure on the police so as to ensure that his murderers are removed from society,” said Van Niekerk.
Contact details: 083 743 2042
