AfriForum Challenges Government's Farm Murder Statistics, Details Eight Recent Cases to Minister Mchunu

AfriForum, the South African civil rights organization, has today presented the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, with compelling evidence of eight confirmed farm murders that occurred in the last quarter of 2024, highlighting a significant discrepancy with the official statistics announced by the South African Police Service (SAPS), which acknowledged only one such incident.

This initiative by AfriForum comes after Minister Mchunu publicly invited the organization to substantiate their claims following his statement last Friday, that disregarded the severity of farm murders stipulated by AfriForum. The civil rights group has been vigilant in documenting farm attacks and murders for years, using the definitions and frameworks laid out in SAPS’ Rural Safety Strategy (RSS).

The evidence presented includes a distressing account of a mother and daughter who were kidnapped and murdered in October 2024, underpinning the stark reality and brutality of the situation which AfriForum accuses the government of minimizing.

Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, expressed his concerns about the government's approach to the ongoing crisis, “The government’s denial of the severity of farm murders signals a dangerous neglect for the families affected and undermines the broader fight against crime,” he stated.

Despite the national leadership’s questionable stance on this issue, AfriForum’s local community safety initiatives, including neighborhood watch programs, have fostered strong collaborative ties with SAPS personnel on the ground. These grassroots efforts have been crucial in crime prevention and ensuring justice in rural communities, though they are hampered by the lack of political acknowledgment and support.

Broodryk also criticized the broader political context, referring to instances where high-ranking officials and even the president have downplayed or ignored the issue of farm murders before international and local audiences.

As the dialogue between AfriForum and the government unfolds, the organization reiterated its dedication to continue monitoring, documenting, and advocating for the recognition and resolution of farm murders in South Africa. AfriForum’s commitment to safeguarding rural communities remains steadfast amidst ongoing challenges, pushing for a united and effective approach to combat this form of violent crime.