FED up with senseless and brutal killings of white South Africans, hundreds of locals gathered at Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay on Thursday to release red balloons into the sky in memory of victims of farm murders.
They were supporting the Red October Campaign, a protest against the oppression and inhumane slaughter of white citizens, calling for an end to hate crimes on the ethnic group.
Mthunzini resident Brenda Smith, concerned by horrific incidents targeting farmers and the rape and brutal murders on the elderly, led the local gathering.
She said 52 towns in South Africa as well as countries abroad had joined in the movement to say they had enough of crime, farm murders and black economic empowerment.
‘The Censor Bug Bear (CBB) recorded an estimated death toll of 3 805. These people were murdered on farms, smallholdings and other rural areas such as wildlife reserves, game lodges and rural roadsides.
‘Not only are the families being killed, but their livestock as well. These are no ordinary crimes, but hate crimes,’ said Smith.
‘There is nothing racist about this campaign, there is just no equality and our culture is being taken away from us.’
A statement released by the campaign says people will no longer silently endure the killings and they are tired of corrupt governance, racist Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment and affirmative action.’
Local resident Tilla Liebenberg said she supports the campaign as her uncle was killed on his farm in Johannesburg eight years ago.
‘Time has passed but it is still painful. He was killed on a small holding and shot with his own gun. These crimes must stop,’ she said.
