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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo welcomes the double life sentence imposed by the High Court in Polokwane on Mpho Penuel Mbuyane for the heinous farm murder committed on 20 August 2017 earlier this week

The now convicted Mbuyane illegally entered the Kalkpoort game farm outside Zebediela and robbed and fatally shot an elderly couple, Mr Piet van Zyl and his wife, Tilla van Zyl.

The crime statistics for the period 1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021 released on 20 August 2021 by Police Minister Bheki Cele reveal that farm attacks in Limpopo increased by 40 incidents from 17 in the same quarter in 2020 to 57 during the quarter under review.

We are concerned that this spike in farm attacks reported in Limpopo was the highest recorded nationally and is indicative that not enough is being done to ensure the safety of people living on farms and in rural areas.

Attacks on farmers, farmworkers and all rural communities are an attack on our rural economy.

We call on our Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt.genl. Thembi Hadebe, to prioritise rural safety through a community-focused, boots-on-the-ground approach which includes the extensive use of technology in new ways and greater police visibility to keep rural residents safe.

The DA extends heartfelt appreciation to the team comprised of Crime Intelligence, the Limpopo tracking team, the Limpopo provincial investigation unit and the Heritage Protection Group private security company who persisted with the investigation that led to the arrest of Mbuyane in Hazyview.

We trust that the two life sentences imposed on Mbuyane will deter criminals from targeting vulnerable communities who are living in fear.

Issued by DA