VRYHEID: Community stands up against killings

Following the murders of Glen and Vida Rafferty from the Normandien area and more recently, the murder of young Brendin Horner in the Free State, different communities have held marches and protest actions against farm murders.
According to André van der Walt, chairperson of Vryheid AfriForum, there were approximately six farm murders in the last 10 years in the Vryheid area. On Sunday (October 25), Vryheid and neighbouring communities from as far as Dundee joined together and took to the streets in full force during a nationwide, peaceful, slow drive dubbed #BlackMonday. This was an independent initiative which was organised by concerned community members throughout South Africa.
The aim of the drive is to unite local communities and all residents of South Africa against crime and all the horrific killings which occur on a daily basis; but the drive also focused strongly on the killing of farmers of all races, as well as farm workers. Over 200 members from the community of Vryheid gathered at the Farmers Association Hall on Sunday morning, where the proceedings were opened with scripture and a prayer in the form of a gospel song. Over 100 vehicles – as well as horses, trucks and tractors – slowly moved down Church Street and made their way into Emmett Street and back to the starting point. Some of the cars and bakkies displayed a black or white cross in remembrance of those who have lost their lives due to crime in South Africa. Upon their return to the hall, the proceedings ended with some members of the community socialising during a ‘meet and greet’ over a braai and refreshments.

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