The Democratic Alliance (DA) would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Oom Alwyn van Zyl who lost his life during a brutal farm attack in the early morning hours in the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality.
Oom Alwyn, 79 years old, and his wife tannie Pauline, 66 years old, were attacked in their home on the farm at Pad se Loop between Modimolle and Mookgopong. Oom Alwyn succumbed to his injuries from brutal and excessive violence imposed by five perpetrators. Tannie Pauline survived the attack. The perpetrators got away with some household goods, and are on foot.
This brutal murder was committed during a time when the elderly are more vulnerable due to the imposed self distancing as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The phasing out of commandos left our rural communities exposed to crime which is why the DA is continuously calling for specialised rural safety units in the SAPS.
The DA would like to thank the farmers from the area who are currently assisting with the apprehension of the perpetrators.
Now is a time to stand together and to provide support to community members, specifically the elderly who are vulnerable and exposed to crime.