Julius Malema arrives at parliament for SONA on 20 June 2019 / Image by Luke Daniel / TheSouthAfrican.com
Julius Malema arrives at parliament for SONA on 20 June 2019 / Image by Luke Daniel / TheSouthAfrican.com
The murder of a 77-year-old farmer in Tamboekiesbank, Free State has incensed the local community. Mimie Frost, a land owner in the province, was brutally attacked before succumbing to her injuries. The criminal behind this heinous deed then dumped her body at a nearby grave, before being apprehended on Saturday.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested after the body of a 77-year-old woman was found next to a grave yard near Bethlehem in the eastern Free State. Police have identified the deceased as Mimie Frost from Tamboekiesbank farm in the area. #sabcnews #sabcfs
— SABC News Free State (@SABCFreeState) September 7, 2019
Free State farm murder: Politicians express their rage
The anger is visceral, and it is palpable in Free State. A number of high-profile farm murders have left rural residents fearful of their lives. In a week where gender-based violence dominated the narrative, the killing of Mimie Frost serves as another chilling reminder of the problems we’re facing in South Africa.
Roy Jankielsohn is the DA’s leader in Free State. Too often this year, he has had to eulogise the deaths of local farmers and reiterate his calls for the introduction of rural safety units. With little action being taken so far, it’s no wonder that the politician has reached the end of his tether.
Julius Malema, Ace Magashule told to “take responsibility” for Mimie Frost murder
The MPL has lashed out at both Ace Magashule and Julius Malema, for what Jankielsohn perceives as ‘dangerous rhetoric’ against land owners. Magashule has been criticised for comments he made about white people and xenophobia, whereas Julius Malema is an advocate of illegal land occupation:
“Politicians such as Ace Magashule, who this week questioned why white people are not targeted alongside foreigners during xenophobic attacks, must also take some responsibility for such acts of violence. The type of violence that accompanies farm attacks is also more excessive than in other cases.”
“It is sad that politicians such as Magashule and Julius Malema constantly make comments that could be construed as incitement to commit racial violence in South Africa. Furthermore, the statistics indicate that the SAPS are not receiving the necessary support to prevent farm murders.”
Roy Jankielsohn
Whereas Malema is no stranger to court hearings about his stance on land grabs, Magashule is facing a dust-up with AfriForum for the first time this week. The lobby group are considering whether they should pursue legal action on the matter, as local representatives of Free State vow to hold their political opponents to account on this issue.
