Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, has condemned in the strongest possible terms, the incident in which a 41-year-old farmer allegedly ran over two children and further assaulted the third one.
The incident happened at a certain farm around Ermelo last week (Friday, 15 July 2022).
The suspect is currently appearing at Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today.
“If the court finds suspect guilty, he must receive maximum allowable sentence equivalent to the offences committed. This will serve as a deterrent to other farmers not to infringe on the rights of workers and dwellers alike in farming communities. We should therefore allow the process to unfold and the case will be closely monitored,” said Shongwe.
He is also calling on community members who may have information regarding the matter to come forward and assist the police.
The MEC has further applauded the police under the leadership of Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, for the swiftness with which the suspect was brought to book.
He also added that the three minors should be accorded psychological support to enable them to overcome this terrible ordeal.
Shongwe wishes the children a speedy recovery. He has further called for calm in communities while the matter is being processed in court.