Democratic Alliance condemns brutal farm attack in Free State

South African farmers protesting Photo: Credit: Photo: Eva-Lotta Jansson for The Telegraph

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State, South Africa, has expressed shock after a violent attack on a farmer in the Kestell district. DA Free State MPL Leona Kleynhans called on the government to urgently implement its rural safety strategy to better protect farm owners and workers.

Kleynhans said that farm attacks are not isolated incidents, and called for improved policing and targeted crime-fighting measures to be implemented without delay. She praised the adoption of a parliamentary report acknowledging rural violent crime but warned that recognition alone is insufficient without tangible action.

The DA insists on activating its 10-point Rural Safety Plan, which includes the establishment of specialized rural SAPS units, deployment of drones and K9 units, declaring farm attacks priority crimes, and strengthening collaboration between police and farming communities.

This latest assault comes amid multiple farm murders in the region, most notably on Lismor Farm, where seven people, including farm workers, were killed. Agri SA’s rural safety committee stresses the urgent need for vigilance and up-to-date contingency planning among farmers.