The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo expresses its sincere condolences and stands in solidarity with the Mahne family and the Baltimore farming community following the tragic loss of At Mahne in a farm attack on Saturday, 29 November.
We also note that his wife, Petro Mahne, has been discharged from hospital and is now recovering at home. We wish her a full and swift recovery.
We extend our gratitude to all organisations and community members who responded to the incident and provided critical assistance.
One farm attack is one too many. Rural communities continue to live in fear. The lack of adequate policing — and the resources needed to enable the police to act swiftly and effectively — leaves rural South Africans vulnerable to criminals who act with impunity. This applies to the safety of all rural areas, not only farms.
As the DA, we have repeatedly urged the Minister of Police to declare farm attacks and farm murders priority crimes. Every new attack tears at the fabric of rural communities and undermines our nation’s food security.
The DA will continue to fight for the safety and protection of everyone who lives and works in our rural areas. Those responsible for this attack must face the full weight of the law.