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AfriForum will provide legal assistance to Northern KwaZulu-Natal farmer Garth Simpson following a shooting on his farm.
On 28 September 2021, in Glencoe, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, a 68-year-old farmer shot and killed 17-year-old Qiniso Dlamini.
Captain Nqobile Gwala, KZN Police Spokesperson, said the youngster was shot in the abdomen and died shortly after. As a result, Simpson was arrested and charged with murder at the Glencoe Magistrate’s Court.
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However, during court proceedings, Simpson found himself at the centre of attention. This came after ANC members and locals staged a demonstration outside the court, asking that he be refused bail.
Furthermore, according to accounts, the ANC took it upon themselves to give the deceased’s relatives legal aid.
Despite this, the uMzinyathi Farmers Association stated the farmer had been fighting to remove stray cattle grazing on his land and that there was more to the storey than what was being reported.
This appears to be the case after a video of the event was released on Facebook, showing the farmer firing a shot after an altercation with three young guys on his farm.
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During a recent press conference, AfriForum stated it would support Simpson as they noted he holds a strong defence and may be successful. However, to stand a chance, AfriForum pointed out that the farmer required adequate legal representation. In addition to the case, proper representation would ensure he is not the victim of political and racial charges.
AfriForum has already notified and directed its solicitors Hurter Spies Ing. in this respect, and an advocate has been assigned for this reason.
Furthermore, AfriForum has engaged Dr Llewelyn Curlewis, a criminal law expert, to investigate the situation and offer suggestions to the civil rights organisation. According to AfriForum, Curlewis indicated that Simpson’s version, if accepted by the court, would have a full-fledged defence against the charge(s) and that it is indisputably corroborated by mobile phone video footage.
According to Ernst Roets, Head of Policy and Action at AfriForum, the civil rights organisation does not usually become involved in specific instances.
However, the organisation chose to get involved in this case since more significant problems are at stake, impacting not only the accused but also the whole community.
Roets believes the matter must be properly examined and that justice must be served. “The fact is that several national bottlenecks play out in this matter. Farmers and people in rural areas are confronted daily with the reality of farm murders, land occupations, threats of expropriation, growing crime rates and inefficient police service. In these circumstances, it is inevitable that tragic incidents like this will take place on farms.”
What are your opinions on the subject as the court case continues? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.
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One Response
Why is not yet out on bail. He is not a fleeing risk. If Afriforum has this big cannons lined up, why is he still in jail?