The Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, has strongly condemned the attack on cattle farmer Donovan Marx (50), who remains in hospital after being brutally attacked and tortured on his farm between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
“I extend my heartfelt prayers and strength to Donovan, his family and the entire agricultural community for the trauma they have endured,” said Minister Aucamp. “There is no place in our country for such senseless and barbaric acts and as government, we will continue to condemn rural crimes in the strongest possible terms.”
The Minister added that the extreme cruelty of the attack, during which the farmer was shot, stabbed and tortured, including having both his ears cut off, highlights the dangers faced by rural communities.
“Farmers and farm workers are the backbone of South Africa’s food security efforts and the endless risks to their personal safety directly place the country’s food security at risk,” said the Minister.
Minister Aucamp explained that the remote nature of rural areas means that agricultural producers are particularly vulnerable to such attacks and will continue to be targeted by criminals unless responses are properly coordinated and strengthened.
The Minister called on the police to prioritise rural crime through dedicated intelligence, specialised investigative teams, coordination with rural community policing forums, and increased police resources and visibility in rural areas.
“The onus is on all South Africans to not only condemn all killings and associated divisive acts, but to also take hands to respond to these crimes with the same degree of force,” concluded Minister Aucamp.
Enquiries:
Ms Joylene van Wyk
Director: Media Liaison Ministry
Cell: 083 292 7399
E-mail: Joylenev@nda.gov.za
#GovZAUpdates
