The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural development held an oversight meeting at Tshidilamolomo tribal council to hear what happened on the case of the late Bakang Maleko who was allegedly murdered by a local farmer early this month.
The meeting was attended by tribal authority, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Desbo Mohono, representatives from the Department of Social Development, Women, Children and People living with disabilities, and Members of the Provincial Legislature.
The late Bakang Maleko was allegedly murdered by his employer, a farmer named Mr Coetzee after accusing him and his friend Mr Shadrack Anderson of stealing sets of tyres and litres of diesel at his farmer on the night of the 2nd of September 2012.
The Committee discovered that the farmer and his accomplices went on rampage on Monday, 3 September 2012 at the village where the deceased lived, looking for the suspects. The farmer allegedly assaulted several community members after arriving at the house of the deceased and his friend.
Mr Anderson who sustained injuries during the incident said the farmer kidnapped them at gun point, took them to his farm where he handcuffed and assaulted them continuously.
“He then tied chains on our waists and electrocuted us with car boasting cables resulting on the deceased suffering a serious shock that led to his instant death,” said Mr. Anderson.
He said the farmer instructed him to pour water on Bakang’s body thinking he was alive but discovered he had died.
“He dropped his body at a local clinic and told the nurses that Bakang had died of alcohol abuse and some unknown disease,” said Mr. Anderson.
Maleko’s family representative, Mr Johannes Maleko said the family was saddened by the fatal assault to their son and nephew.
“The farmer has done something terribly wrong and we wish justice will prevail. We want him to get proper punishment for what he did,” said Mr. Maleko.
He said the police and health authorities were very slow in assisting them with the correct autopsy and developments of the case.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Dodo Baloyi said the Legislature condemns the killing of farm workers who are often punished without proper investigations.
“The farmer conducted many unlawful acts including the murder, torture, and kidnapping of the victims. This is against the law,” said Hon. Baloyi.
He said the Committee will ask all relevant government structures to support the family in time of mourning and also ensure that justice is served.
