Farm attackers attempt to drown foreman in septic tank

The 77-year-old farm foreman, Mr. Simon Makhotha, was the target of a farm attack on Harrisdale in the Zastron area on Sunday, 17 January 2021.

Around 20:00, Makhotha was taken by surprise, assaulted and stabbed by three persons. The attackers got access to the farmhouse after which Makhotha was tied up and further tortured.

After the farmhouse was plundered, the attackers attempted to drown Makhotha in the septic tank of the farmhouse. He was kicked throughout and pelt with stones in an attempt to keep his head under the sewage water.

At dawn, Makhotha could succeed in freeing himself. He was found by the neighbour’s workers. Help arrived after which Makhotha was admitted to the hospital in Zastron.

Free State Agriculture (FSA) strongly condemns the farm attack. They hope that Makhotha will recover completely and that the police will soon capture the attackers.

Mr. Marthin de Kock, FSA Regional Safety Representative, reported that the attack on Makhotha shocked the farming community. The farm belongs to an emerging black farmer who does not reside on the farm. “All persons living and working on farms are exposed to the growing danger of crime in the rural areas,” says De Kock.

After the attack on Makhotha was reported, local police were unable to get to the scene. Apparently, there were no vehicles available.

The lack of manpower and vehicles in the rural areas has been an issue for years, but has not been addressed by the government yet.

Although FSA continues to call on police and government to ensure that police stations are fully equipped, it is increasingly clear that the farming community is on their own.

According to Mr. Tommie Esterhuyse, Vice President of FSA, discussions with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) already commenced yesterday, 18 January, regarding the lack of implementation of the National Rural Safety Strategy (NRSS).

This contributes greatly to low defensibility in rural communities. Government departments need to get their house in order to ensure safety for communities as well as provide them with the necessary services.

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