DA condemns farm murder in Kubusie

QUEENSTOWN -- The Democratic Alliance in the Amahlati municipal area has condemned the murder of Stutterheim farmer Michael John Warren, 78, as "brutal and senseless".

Warren was found shot dead on his farm West Poyton in the Upper Kubusie area on Tuesday.

A motive for the killing has not yet been established.

Warren's family claimed that he had been burgled eight times in two years with police having had no success in tracking down the perpetrators.

Amahlati DA spokesperson Kobus Botha yesterday called on political and civil organisations to condemn "this act of brutality".

He said farmers played a vital role in the economic well-being of the Amahlati area, which includes Stutterheim, Cathcart, Kei Road and Keiskammahoek.

"The point should be driven home that farmers feed the nation."

Botha said he would be arranging a meeting of political parties to discuss the value of farmers to the area.

He also urged residents to assist the police. -- DDR