NEWCASTLE ADVERTISER: Amajuba District Mayor calls for an end to farm murders
Dr Musa Ngubane has urged the community to give law enforcement officials space to conduct its investigation.
Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane has joined the call for unity in ending farm attacks and murders in the country.
In a statement released to the Newcastle Advertiser, Cllr Ngubane said the gruesome and senseless killing of Glen and Vida Rafferty on their Normandien farm was shocking.
“I am shocked and disappointed that after many attempts by Government and other institutions to forge unity and tolerance among people in this country, we still experience such criminal activities,” said Cllr Ngubane. “A loss of a farmer in such a tragic manner means many steps backwards in our efforts to develop the economy of our district.”
Cllr Ngubane reiterated the important role farmers play in economic development, creation of job opportunities and fighting hunger.
“As leaders within the Amajuba District, we are saddened by the news of the senseless killing of Mr and Mrs Rafferty. We understand this couple was very instrumental in the efforts of enhancing the lives of the people of Normandien. From the tributes shared by various people in different platforms, we have learned this couple was always part of the community’s initiatives and were always willing to land a helping hand. Their killing and many other killings, including the killing or abuse of farm workers and dwellers, is an insult in our efforts to pursue and forge cohesion among our people.”
He extended his condolences to the family, friends and employees, on behalf of the people of the Amajuba District, and called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the perpetrators are located and face the might of the law.
“I also want to send out a call for calm and request the affected communities to give the police space to conclude this case. We want the perpetrators to be swiftly apprehended and that can only be done if we do not interfere with the investigation and make false accusations.”
Cllr Ngubane has asked for the community to refrain from turning this case into a racial issue, but rather treat it as the criminal act it is.
“The law must not be lenient with the perpetrators when found because their conduct seeks to divide our people and destabilise peace within our community,” he concluded.
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