Brutal attack claims farmer's life
Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh died after he was attacked on his farm in Shakaskraal on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast
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A VIOLENT home invasion at a sugar farm in Riet Valley, Shakaskraal, has claimed the life of Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh, who died from his injuries, underscoring the deadly reality of farm attacks on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. He was laid to rest on Friday.
Roopsingh, together with his mum and uncle, were attacked on their farm a week earlier.
His 77-year-old uncle is still recovering in hospital from stab wounds.
Roopsingh's cousin, Dash Singh, said he was extremely upset and angry about what had happened.
"It erks me that the government is still turning a blind eye on farm murders. They pretend that these attacks are not racially aligned and are not investigated properly. The Indian community is too marginalised in this country.
"Aman was very soft, quiet, warm-hearted and always opened his home to the family. It is extremely upsetting what has happened to him," said Singh.
He said their grandfather, Baboo Roopsingh, was a well-known philanthropist and community leader on the north coast.
"Baboo was the first Indian chairperson of the Canegrowers Association and he build two schools on the north coast. Aman also served as a board member of the Canegrowers' Association," said Singh.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that Umhlali police are investigating a case of house robbery and murder.
He said the family was reportedly assaulted robbed of their firearms during a house robbery at a farm in Riet Valley last week Friday.
"It is reported that a man, whose face was reportedly concealed with a balaclava, entered the house and held three family members hostage at knife point. The suspect allegedly assaulted and stabbed two men who were in the house. They sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
"The suspect also robbed the victims of two firearms and an airgun. No arrests have been made as yet," said Netshiunda.
He said one of the victims succumbed to his injuries in hospital this week.
In a statement issued in late December by the African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA), is stated that farm killings are a national crisis that demands urgent intervention.
"We further urge the government to mobilise resources to deal decisively with farm killings. There is a dangerous narrative that only white commercial farmers suffer this scourge. This narrative is misleading and harmful.
"Farm killings do not discriminate by race, colour, or scale of operation. Black farmers, especially developing farmers, are among the worst affected because they lack the resources to secure their farms and protect themselves," said AFASA national chairperson, Molefe Mahape.