ACDP calls on government to rethink urgent need for farm Commando Units Expresses heartfelt condolences ----------------------------- The ACDP calls on government to rethink the need for farm Commando Units. Yet another farm attack, murder and rape make it shockingly clear that no effective measures have been taken to address the untenable situation facing our farming community. A Free State farmer was shot dead and his 16-year old granddaughter raped in an alleged armed robbery on their farm near Odendaalsrus. Former President Mbeki announced the disbanding of the rural commandos in 2003, - this has left farmers and farm workers defenseless and easy targets for criminals ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said today. Farmers see commando units as key to a rural protection plan - even former President Mandela recognised the effectiveness of the commando units and included them in a rural security plan in 1998. Over a period of two years - just before the disbandment - almost 90,000 operations were conducted by voluntary commandos under the Police. These consisted of Road blocks, foot patrols, vehicle patrols and manning observation posts - assisting and freeing the Police to have a greater impact and broader reach Dudley said. According to a police spokesperson, five men attacked the family on Thursday last week. The 69-year old farmer was shot three times and died on the way to the hospital and a 16 year old girl was raped. The men allegedly cut open his safe and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and a firearm. The suspects fled the scene in the farmer’s bakkie which was later found abandoned on a road leading to the informal settlement. A case of murder and rape has been registered with the police are still searching for the men. The ACDP expressed heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the deceased. Dudley said our thoughts and prayers go out to the young women raped in this awful attack - praying that she will be comforted and find the strength and peace to endure through this traumatic time.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 19:00:15 +0000
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