72-year-old farmer murdered in his home

The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Ivan Meyer, has condemned the brutal killing of an elderly farmer and has called on police to hunt down the perpetrators.

FARMER KILLED IN HIS HOME

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72 year old Willem van der Westhuizen was stabbed in the neck during a home invasion in his farm outside VanRyhynsdorp.

It is alleged that five men entered the property, assaulted and tied up the victims wife Christine in the bathroom.

“The senseless, violent attacks on our producers and agric-workers must be condemned”, says Meyer.

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“This horrific act of violence comes at a time when many South Africans are preparing to spend time with their loved ones and extending a hand of peace and friendship to friends and their communities.”

CRIME AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

According to police the perpetrators entered the house through the back door.

Van der Westhuizen’s wife, made the gruesome discovery the next morning after she managed cut the rope and freed herself before seeking help.

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Meyer says that criminals undermine economic growth as the agriculture sector in the West Coast has created around 2300.

“Criminality undermines the growth of our economy and job creation. I am therefore calling on our law enforcement agencies to track down the alleged perpetrators so that they can face the full might of the justice system” Meyer added.

No arrests have yet been made.

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