The Premier of the North West, Honourable Maureen Modiselle has learned with shock and dismay reports that four young boys were shot and injured by a farmer on the night of Sunday, 14 June 2009. The farmer in question Mr David Swart allegedly shot the boys suspecting them to be stealing oranges in his farm.
The Premier wishes to express her disapproval of Mr Swart's action which is not helping in the process to bring integration of communities in the province. By his action, he has not assist the process of integrating communities and healing divisions of the past. The soccer spectacle taking place in our country should be drawing all our people together, than serve as a reason for causing injury to one another.
The Premier calls on the law enforcement authorities to do a thorough job in investigating the circumstances of the shooting so as to enable justice processes to apply correct punitive measure.
The Premier during her State of the Province highlighted safety in farm areas, and committed her office to work together with all communities to build sustainable relations between farmers and farm workers. Government will not relent in this effort. Actions of people like Mr Swart will not divert government from this important task of uniting our people.
Premier wishes all the four victims speedy recovery and thanks health institutions where the boys are being treated for their professionalism. Government makes a commitment to the parents that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the law takes its course.
For more information contact:
Sam Mokaila
Cell: 082 884 2580
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
15 June 2009
