GOOD Statement by Thyrone Williams,
GOOD Saldanha Bay Councillor and West Coast Regional Organiser
17 November 2024
The GOOD Party welcomes the arrest of a man on a farm outside Vredenburg in the West Coast.
It is alleged the farmer assaulted a disabled person from the Laingville community on Friday, 8 November, following an argument on his farm.
It is believed he accused the victim of theft.
The victim denied the allegations and reportedly invited the farmer to inspect his car.
An argument ensued, during which it was alleged that the farmer brutally assaulted the victim.
Further allegations suggest that the farmer hit the victim over the head with a firearm and threw him into the trunk of his own car.
He then reportedly called the police, claiming there was an unmarked car on his premises.
When the police arrived, the victim regained consciousness and made noises from the trunk of his car.
According to the victim, he informed the police of what had happened, but they initially refused to act.
After the intervention of myself and the West Coast District Commander’s office, the police took his statement and opened a case.
It is further alleged that the police searched for the suspect throughout the week but could not locate him.
He was arrested on Friday afternoon during a sting operation and is currently in custody.
Additionally, it is claimed that during an ID parade, the suspect threatened the victim in front of the police, saying, “I will kill you if I get hold of you again.”
While we do not condone theft, this kind of vigilante action is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
This incident demands immediate action from the police and Social Development, given that the victim is a disabled person.
GOOD urges the authorities to implement measures to ensure the safety of disabled individuals in rural areas.
We strongly condemn this incident. Violence against disabled people, the elderly, women, and children has become rampant.
Far too many vulnerable individuals are being hurt or killed—it is a pandemic.
The police must act without fear, favour, or prejudice and treat all people equally before the law.
As GOOD, we will mobilize the community of the Saldanha Municipality and surrounding areas to picket against bail at the Vredenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 18 November 2024.
Media enquiries: media@forgood.org.za