Brutal farm attack once again highlights the seriousness of these crimes

A brutal attack on a farmer from Musina and his family once again emphasises why this crime must also be declared a priority crime and must receive the necessary attention from the authorities. The farmer, Natie Vos, and his family were attacked in their farmhouse in the early hours of 8 January by five armed attackers.

Vos was seriously assaulted with a hammer and other blunt objects, which caused serious head injuries and internal bleeding. Vos is a member of the AfriForum neighbourhood watch in Musina. AfriForum responded immediately by making arrangements to transport him to the Polokwane Netcare trauma unit. His wife also suffered a head wound, while the children were physically assaulted and tied up – which seriously traumatised everyone in the family.

The family was robbed of their work vehicle and six firearms.

Thanks to the swift action and great cooperation of the Musina safety community, the vehicle and firearms were quickly located and recovered. However, the suspects managed to escape. A comprehensive follow-up operation, which included a tracking team and air support, was immediately launched, but unfortunately the attackers’ tracks were lost in harsh terrain.

The security community, which includes paramedic Dries Van der Walt, Freek Clifford, as well as organisations such as Kawia Rural Anti-Poaching, Pro Truck Security, Werda Security, MTR Security, Hanley Wildlife Services, Linton, Musina South and Tshipise Farm Guards, Mopanie Security Block, Musina GPF, SAPS task team, SAPS Musina and AfriForum, all worked together to secure the scene, evacuate the injured and enable the speedy recovery of the stolen goods.

AfriForum expressed its thanks and appreciation to all the role players who worked together to locate the vehicle and firearms.

According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s chief spokesperson on Community Safety, community involvement is of crucial importance in the fight against crime. “This incident proves that when communities and safety networks work together, successes can be achieved. We also want to send a clear message to criminals: We will not stop looking for you and bring you to justice. Farm attackers will not go unpunished.”

AfriForum and the wider community remain committed to the fight against farm attacks and to help secure communities. The local AfriForum safety structure is still investigating information that could help catch the attackers.