Vigilance and quick action by fellow farmers and the police probably saved the life of Pieter Swart, a farmer from Kroonstad.
According to Boy Saaiman, regional representative of Free State Agriculture, Swart was attacked by four men outside his house this morning when he wanted to go outside. The four men allegedly tried to break open a door to gain access to the house.
Despite several knife wounds, Swart was able to get his firearm and fired several shots. Three of the suspects were fatally wounded and one suspect escaped, but was arrested a few hours later due to prompt action by other farmers and the police when the Rural Safety plan was activated.
“Farmers can no longer afford to be defenseless” said Jakkals le Roux, chairman of the FSA’s Safety Committee. “Free State Agriculture makes a serious appeal to farmers to get involved with their nearest safety structures and empower themselves, their families and workers.”
Free State Agriculture sincerely hopes that President Ramaphosa will recognize and address the issue of rural safety during his State of the Nation Address.