Washington accuses South African officials of exposing Afrikaners to violence
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
The US State Department accuses South African political leaders of exposing Afrikaners to violence by promoting race-based rhetoric. The statement follows two attacks on white farmers in North West province, including the 28 October attack on Donovan Marx, who was hospitalised in a serious condition, the outlet citing Fox News Digital reports.
The US State Department has accused South African political leaders of endangering the lives and property of Afrikaners by, it says, encouraging race-based violence. Washington made the accusation after two attacks on white farmers in North West province, in statements to Fox News Digital.
On 28 October, farmer Donovan Marx, 50, was attacked at his farm in Syferfontein, between Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom. Three armed men tied up an employee, shot Marx, then stabbed and mutilated him before fleeing with weapons and his vehicle. He was in intensive care in a serious but stable condition. Two suspects were arrested.
On 5 October, Johanna van Zyl, 55, was struck on the head and neck with an iron bar near Ottosdal. She died in hospital. Two men, Martin Boitumelo Mosime and Moleko Sekwaage, are facing murder and robbery charges, while a third suspect is being sought.
The State Department called on South African officials to condemn calls for racial violence, including the slogan “Kill the Farmer! Kill the Boer!”. President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to condemn it, citing a court ruling that the words do not constitute incitement to violence. The accusation comes as Washington threatens South Africa with further measures, on 23 October.
