Note to editors: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Eleanore Spies
The DA in Kannaland is deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder and alleged rape of 79-year-old Valerie Enzer on a farm in Van Wyksdorp, near Ladismith. We have since reached out to our Deputy Spokesperson on Police, Lisa Schickerling, to question SAPS’ rural safety department in Kannaland.
This heinous crime has sent shockwaves through the community, and our hearts go out to the family, friends, and residents of Van Wyksdorp.
Valerie was a kind-hearted and lovely person who deserved to live out her years in safety and dignity. The violence perpetrated against her is heinous and demands justice.
The tragic irony that this incident occurred on the same day that Parliament voted for committed action towards those living on farms is not lost on us.
We call on SAPS to conduct a thorough investigation into this horrific crime and ensure that the perpetrator is convicted. The arrest of a 17-year-old suspect is a step towards accountability, and we await the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
We stand with the people of this community in calling for justice for Valerie and in ensuring that safety and security are prioritised in rural areas.
The safety of all citizens, particularly vulnerable individuals like the elderly living in rural areas, must be a priority