The study will include investigations into the complex phenomenon with special focus on:
- the efficiency of certain security measures;
- the compilation of different statistics pertaining to farm attacks;
- the cost implications of a farm murder/farm;attack;
- the psychological impact of a farm murder/farm attack on victims;
- the impact of a farm attack on farm workers;
- the efficiency of police investigations with regard to farm murders; and
- the possible impact of hate speech and political instigation on farm murders/farm attacks.
Victims of farm attacks and South Africans whose loved ones have been murdered on farms will be approached for the purposes of the study. A comprehensive questionnaire will be completed together with the victims to ensure that the data collected is correct, valid and credible to be included in the findings.
AfriForum says interviews will also be conducted with farm workers who have been present during attacks and/or have been victims themselves. The impact of a farm attack on workers, where their employer has been murdered, will also be investigated. The traumatic experience of an attack is not limited to the direct family members only, but extends to the workers whose safety on the property is threatened.
AfriForum is already in the process of obtaining admission to convicted farm murderers as part of the investigation. The members of the investigating team hope to find clarity on the motives for the attacks, as well as how specific farms were chosen as targets.
The study includes interviews with experts and stakeholders, among others, agricultural unions, community watches and private security companies.
The aim is to conduct a comprehensive investigative study on farm murders/farm attacks with the hope the findings can be used by state departments, role players, non-profit organisations, students and interested parties to create structures to support farm attacks victims and to protect farm and small holding owners.
AfriForum encourages South Africans with information about farm attacks and/or who have been direct victims to participate in the study. Contact Lorraine Claassen at stopdiemoorde@afriforum.co.za or stopthemurders@afriforum.co.za.
