Mpumalanga Agriculture regrets the repeated postponement of judgement in the bail application by the accused in the case emanating from the incident at the farm Pampoenkraal on 9 April.
Allegedly the SAPS was not able to effectively control a rioting crowd outside the court on 19 and 20 April. The uncontrolled rioting and unrest outside the court apparently contributed to the said bail application having to be further postponed to Monday 26 April. The SAPS has a duty to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for persons, in detention, to apply for bail.
The SAPS is therefore requested to put in place the neccessary measures to prevent this bail application, in question, not to be delayed further. The government, SAPS, media, political parties, civic organisations, communities, and every individual have a responsibility to promote and strive for the peaceful co-existence of all groups and citizens. The present culture where certain groups are consciously declared guilty or not guilty (without confirming the facts and without trial), as in the case of the Pampoenkraal incident, contributes to increased tension, polarisation, and lawless behaviour.
Mpumalanga Agriculture received complaints of sabotage on farms around Dirkiesdorp. In one single incident 1 500 bales of fodder were destroyed by arson during the night of 19 April. To prevent a repeat of the incident on 9 April at Pampoenkraal, the SAPS is requested to stop this lawless and intimidating acts by criminals immediately by applying the law without fear or favour. All parties, including politicians, are urged to refrain from making provocative and polarising allegations that incite tensions among communities. SAPS and the prosecuting authority must be able to investigate the matter professionally, fairly, and objectively.
This will ensure that the correct suspects who were responsible for the tragedy on 9 April are charged and prosecuted for the relevant offences. Office bearers of the provincial government should use their position to build bridges between communities, instead of inciting conflict by making unfounded and denigrating statements aimed at farmers in Mpumalanga. Agri Mpumalanga requests the premier of Mpumalanga, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni, to acknowledge the enormous contribution that the agricultural sector makes towards the welfare of rural communities in the province. The primary agriculture sector’s annual contribution of approximately R39 billion to the province’s economy must be protected and supported. Mpumalanga Agriculture thanks the MEC for Agriculture, mr. Mandla Msibi, for a meaningful meeting with the Forum for Agriculture in Mpumalanga on Tuesday 20 April.
The meeting agreed that all role players, including the government, should contribute to the restotation of calmnes and serenity in and around Piet Retief and that a recurerence of such a tragic incident on 9 April should be prevented. Mpumalanga Agriculture wishes to thank, and offers its full support to Agri Piet Retief, church, and traditional leaders as well as other role players for their efforts to resolve conflict following the incident on 9 April. Mpumalanga Agriculture is committed to upholding the rights of all people in rural farming communities. While we claim these rights for our members, we also realise that such rights come with an inherent responsibility. To this end, we strive for the realisation of human rights for farm workers and rural residents. The organisation also strives for a peaceful and safe sector, with a culture of mutual respect for human rights and the law.
Offences should be dealt with by the relevant authorities. Where absent, a culture of neighbourliness and mutual respect and tolerance must be created. An awareness of human rights, culture and the law should be cultivated at all times. Mediation should be playing a larger role in resolving differences before the situation escalates into an unnecessary confrontation accompanied by disorder, property damage and loss of life.
Executive Committee of Mpumalanga Agriculture Enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
