🇿🇦The reported torture of Donovan Marx shows why the unique characteristics of farm attacks demand focused, priority policing‼️
Donovan was shot and stabbed, and his ears were cut off during an attack on his farm between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp. A farmworker was also tied up. My thoughts are with Donovan, his family and the worker who was attacked.
Not every farm attack involves torture. But I have personally attended scenes after farm attacks where victims had boiling water poured over them, were burned with clothing irons, or had holes drilled through their hands and feet. I have seen the consequences of this cruelty firsthand.
Some attacks involve victims being held captive and tortured for hours. The duration and severity of that violence, combined with rural isolation and the distance from assistance, require a response designed for those circumstances. SAPS’s own 2019 National Rural Safety Strategy recognises farm attacks as unique.
Dismissing farm attacks by pointing to other violent crime is an unfair comparison. Other crimes are extremely serious, and demanding that farm attacks receive dedicated attention does not make any other victim less important.
I also reject the use of “Kill the Boer” on political stages and any celebration of farm murders on social media. Political leaders should condemn the glorification of violence, not participate in it or make excuses for it.
North West SAPS must prioritise Donovan’s case, support experienced detectives with forensic and intelligence capacity, and keep the family informed. Beyond this investigation, rural safety requires properly equipped police officers who can reach the people they are responsible for protecting.