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‘Most concerning, despite the severity of the crisis, this is the only crime phenomenon in South Africa that is both openly encouraged and actively denied by some of the most influential politicians in the country.’
The attack on a North West farmer, during which he was shot, stabbed, and had his ears cut off, is evidence of the fact that more should be done to combat farm attacks in South Africa, said Lex Libertas. The think tank and advocacy group added that it intends to announce a second phase of the White Cross Project soon, which would include displaying three thousand white crosses in front of the Union Buildings about the South African government’s lack of care regarding farm murders.
Netwerk24 today reported that Donovan Marx (50) was attacked on his farm between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp this morning. He is currently receiving treatment in Potchefstroom.
Dr Ernst Roets, Executive Director of Lex Libertas, has reiterated that farm attacks constitute a unique crime phenomenon for a variety of reasons, including the frequency and the brutality thereof. ‘Most concerning, despite the severity of the crisis, this is the only crime phenomenon in South Africa that is both openly encouraged and actively denied by some of the most influential politicians in the country.’ He added that President Ramaphosa himself openly stated during an international event in New York City in 2018 that ‘there are no killings of farmers or white farmers in South Africa.’
In September this year, Lex Libertas, in partnership with the New York Young Republican Club, displayed 3,000 white crosses on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to raise international support for interventions regarding the farm attack crisis in South Africa. The institution will announce several steps to be implemented as part of Phase Two of the White Cross Project within the next week. This will include bringing the crosses that were displayed in Washington to South Africa and displaying them in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Lex Libertas has once again called on the South African government to implement measurable steps to combat farm attacks, and added that the persistence of the crisis is evidence of the need for decentralisation in South Africa. ‘Those in power in South Africa are simply too far removed from those who suffer the consequences of their decisions and lack of action. Political power should be brought closer to the people.’
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‘It is not enough to declare farm attacks a priority crime. A declaration to that effect would be nothing more than an administrative formality. What matters is whether practical measures are taken to prevent these attacks and bring perpetrators to justice,’ Roets said.
We therefore call on you to publicly and unequivocally condemn the attack on Mr Marx, and to express the government's commitment to combating farm attacks through practical and measurable interventions.
Lex Libertas welcomes the minister's willingness to engage, despite substantial political differences.