He will soon give a response over issues relating to the spate of farm attacks, murders and stock theft raised by the party and its supporters.

The group, led by the provincial leader, Patricia Kopane, and Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Annette Steyn, yesterday marched to the office of the Provincial Police Commissioner, Moeketsi Sempe, to hand over a memorandum of demands relating to farm attacks, farm murders, stock theft and the overall safety of people residing in rural areas.

The party alleges that not much is being done to ensure the safety of people in rural areas and that their calls over a lack of security measures by members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

 Steyn told OFM News that they are calling on the police to ensure that rural crime units are put in place, police vehicles and resources are used effectively, and that issues faced on farms and in rural areas are addressed urgently.

According to the latest South African crime stats, a total of 20,336 murders were recorded during 2017/18. 

Of this number, 62 were victims on farms and smallholdings. The report indicates that the North West province recorded the second-highest number of attacks‚ following Gauteng.

In response to OFM News’ set of questions, police spokesperson Thandi Mbambo, said the provincial commissioner is out of town and has not yet seen the memorandum. She highlights it was for his attention and that the SAPS cannot comment at this stage until he has studied it.

OFM News