The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Garden Route condemns the brutal double murder of an elderly couple on a farm in Glen Loerie, The Crags, near Plettenberg Bay.
The murder of the 71-year-old woman and 77-year-old man is a tragic example of the growing level of violence and brutality affecting rural communities, which is increasingly spilling over into the Western Cape.
Helpless elderly people being attacked in their own homes raises serious concerns about the safety of Garden Route residents.
This attack typifies the vulnerability of people residing on farms and in rural areas. It underscores the urgent need for more stringent, visible and proactive policing in the region.
The Freedom Front Plus welcomes the swift response by the police and community safety networks that resulted in one suspect being apprehended. It demonstrates the value of collaboration, but does not conceal the much larger problem of rising violent crime and security shortcomings.
The party implores the police to significantly boost resources and policing capacity in rural areas to ensure that such cases are duly investigated and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and to support existing safety initiatives, which should never be seen as a substitute for effective state action.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressuring the authorities to implement decisive measures so residents can once again feel safe and secure in their homes and communities.
The Freedom Front Plus also expresses its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and the broader community who have to process this loss.
No family or community should have to experience such violence.
