Cape Town – Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer has condemned a recent surge in violent attacks targeting farmers, agri-workers and rural communities across the province, following two incidents in the West Coast and Overberg regions.
The minister’s comments come after an attack on a farmer in Lambert’s Bay and another incident involving tourists on a guest farm in the Swellendam area, both of which have raised concerns about rural safety.
Meyer attended the first court appearance in Lambert’s Bay on Sunday of suspects accused of attacking a farmer identified as Mr Hugo. The farmer was allegedly assaulted after confronting suspected stock thieves along the R255.
Farmers and local residents gathered outside the court in support of the victim and to demand justice.
Describing the incident as “brutal and violent”, Meyer called on the court to deny bail to the accused.
“My plea is that no bail should be granted. Together with the farmers of the West Coast, I am seeking justice for the victim. The perpetrators must face the full might of the law and be punished to the fullest extent,” he said.
Meyer said he was deeply concerned about the increasing frequency and severity of attacks in rural communities.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by these violent attacks. Each assault on a farmer or agri-worker is an attack on food security, the agricultural economy, and the well-being of rural communities,” he said.
The minister also referred to another attack last Friday in the Swellendam area, where two elderly tourists on a guest farm reportedly fought off three masked attackers.
According to Meyer, such crimes pose a threat not only to agriculture but also to tourism, which he described as key sectors of the Western Cape economy.
“Farm attacks must stop,” he emphasised.
While he commended the South African Police Service and local rural safety structures for their response, Meyer said more needed to be done to combat rural crime.
“The South African Police Service must be significantly better resourced and must work much more closely with local law-enforcement agencies to effectively combat rural crime,” he said.
He added that stronger investigative capacity, improved police visibility and greater cooperation between police, neighbourhood watches, farm watches and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture were essential to protect rural communities.
Meyer also urged residents in rural areas to make use of the department’s Rural Safety Helpdesk to report incidents and safety concerns.
The minister expressed support for the victims and their families and wished the injured farmer a speedy recovery, while reaffirming the Western Cape government’s commitment to improving safety in rural communities.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/Ivan Meyer
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
