Conviction of Robertson man for terrorising farming community welcomed | Western Cape Government

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Conviction of Robertson man for terrorising farming community welcomed

11 November 2019

Voice Clips:  Afrikaans  |  English

I would like to extend my congratulations to the South African Police and the National Prosecuting Authority for the successful arrest, conviction and sentencing of Jeffrey Thompson, who terrorised farming communities in McGregor, Robertson and Bonnievale during September 2017 and December 2018.

I also welcome the sentence handed down as it signals that those who attack our farming communities will be dealt with harshly and to the full extent of the law.

An attack on a farmer or an Agri worker is an attack on our rural economy and we must put a stop to this crime and lawlessness.

Over the past few months, I have directed the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Department of Community Safety and other agricultural stakeholders, to spearhead the Technical Committee on Rural Safety within the Province.  This intervention is designed to interrogate and improve on the Rural Safety Plan as developed by the South African Police Service, improve their intelligence in relation to farm attacks, and respond to issues pertaining to rural safety.

I believe that partnerships, innovation, collaboration, evidence, intelligence, connectivity, technology, and integration are key building blocks to improve safety within the rural landscape.

While the Western Cape Government is doing its best to make this province safer, our interventions must be supported by a strong and professional police service, and an effective criminal justice system.

The Western Cape Government will continue to work to ensure farming communities are protected and treated with the dignity they deserve

Dr Ivan Meyer
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture


 

 

Media Enquiries: 

Media Enquiries

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson to the Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
Fax: 021 483 3892
Mobile: 079 990 4231
Email: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za