Photo: Facebook / Annette Kennealy
Photo: Facebook / Annette Kennealy
The DA and several supporters of Annette Kennealy have expressed their sorrow over the 50-year-old’s death after she fell victim to a farm murder on Monday morning. She was a landowner in Makhado, Limpopo and had previously served as a councillor for the DA.
Farm murder in Limpopo
The politically-involved activist was vocal about the threat of farm attacks and murders in South Africa. Tragically, Kennealy’s last Facebook post on Sunday highlighted an alleged growing trend in the crimes:
Farm murder: Annette Kennealy attacked at home
Ian Cameron is the head of AfriForum’s Community Safety Unit. He revealed some of the more gruesome details of the crime, which involved the use of a hammer to subdue the victim. As confirmed by SAPS, a 40-year-old male suspected of carrying out this heinous crime is now in police custody.
UPDATE #FarmMurder 21/5/2019: The deceased was found facing downwards with an iron rod around her neck. A hammer was also used by die suspect to kill her and was found on scene. The suspect has been arrested due to tireless work by @SAPoliceService, thank you to the team involved pic.twitter.com/75ZsFd5PKs
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) May 22, 2019
DA react to Annette Kennealy’s death
The leader of the DA in Limpopo, Jacques Smalle, also shared his condolences with the Kennealy family. The politician says he had a long-running friendship with Annette, and spoke about her warm character
“Ms Kennealy served the DA as a councillor between 2011 to 2014 and will be remembered for her selfless service and her commitment towards human rights. I personally have known Ms Kennealy for more than 40 years.”
“I will remember her for our shared passion of the arts, her sober expression for her love of the country and her love for nature and animals. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Kennealy’s daughters and immediate family and friends during this difficult time.”
Jacques Smalle
The DA hope to force through legislation across South Africa that gives greater protection to farmers. They have proposed “rural safety units” for isolated farming communities, which are often targeted by opportunists who know that the remoteness of the farms helps them get away with such horrendous violence.
