South Africa Farmer Murdered For $21.64 While Violent Farm Murders Continue

A Camperdown farmer was murdered when a seven-man robber gang failed to break into a neighboring farm seeking property to steal. Krishnadhaven Soobramoney Govender, 50, was murdered for approximately 300 Rand (about $21.64 in U.S. dollars). This is latest in attacks against South African farmers as Hein Smith, 77, was attacked and beaten to death in July.

As the man’s family watched in horror, a seven-man gang attacked the farmer. He opened fire on them, but he later succumbed to his wounds. As reported in News 24, Magma Security Head Shaheen Suleiman said that the attack occurred shortly after midnight.

“What we know at this stage is that seven guys came into the house and attacked the farmer and his family. They terrorised the man’s wife and sons and in the process opened fire on the farmer who was wounded.The farmer managed to get hold of his own firearm and fired shots at the men but later succumbed to his injuries before he could be saved.”

Although the wife and two sons were unhurt in the exchange of gunfire, he did say they are still in shock.

“They are still dealing with the loss. I will be working with my team on this case at the behest of the family.”

Police said that they are seeking the gang after they also ransacked the house and stole two cellphones and some cash totaling 300 Rand. They have opened a case at the local police station for robbery and murder.

The farm murder occurred after a struggle ensued. Police believe that the gang threatened the farmer’s family. After they shot and wounded him, he managed to get his firearm and return fire. Govender is survived by his wife and four sons.

Koos Marais, of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, told News 24 that this is the fifth farm murder in the province since the beginning of the year. He also expressed concern over another murder within the farming community.

“We again caution people in isolated ­areas to take extreme precautions to prevent attacks.”

South Africa has been plagued by violence in 2015 including xenophobic attacks against immigrants, and to date, there have been over 35 farm murders this year. Although the farm attacks have often been violent and most of the victims white, police claim there is not a racial motive for the attacks. Over 1,700 farmers have been murdered since the ANC government took over in 1994. Farming in South Africa has been reported as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world.

[Photo Credit SA Breaking News]