EFF leader Julius Malema has condemned the brutal attack on farmer Donovan Marx. However, he later reignited controversy by singing the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant.
Malema addressed thousands of supporters at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 31 October. During his speech, he defended the controversial struggle song.
His comments followed Wednesday’s horrific attack on Marx, 50, near Ventersdorp, North West. Attackers reportedly shot and stabbed the farmer before cutting off both his ears.
“We never called for the literal killing of human beings,” Malema said, according to a report.
“The killing on the farms of our own farmers must stop.”
Malema calls for justice after horrific farm attack
Malema questioned the brutality of the attack and demanded swift action from police.
He challenged authorities to identify and arrest everyone involved. Furthermore, he offered to bring the suspects before EFF supporters at Orlando Stadium.
“How can we kill the people who are feeding us?” he asked.
The EFF leader also criticised the Government of National Unity over rural safety. He argued that authorities had failed to adequately protect farming communities.
Meanwhile, Malema dismissed allegations of a white genocide in South Africa. However, he acknowledged that farm attacks strengthened those claims.
“No white farmer must be killed. No black farmer must be killed. No woman must be killed,” he said.
He maintained that the historical struggle song did not promote literal violence. Instead, he blamed inadequate policing for continued attacks on farmers.
Nevertheless, Malema later sang ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer’ during the rally. The performance renewed criticism surrounding the controversial chant.
US increases pressure as police arrest two suspects
The incident has also attracted renewed attention from Washington. The United States has reportedly demanded stronger action against racial incitement.
According to a Fox News report published on Saturday, the US State Department criticised South African political leaders.Read Daily News
A spokesperson said Washington had urged government officials to condemn calls for racial violence.
The US specifically raised the singing of ‘Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer’.
Furthermore, the Trump administration wants South Africa to recognise rural crime as a priority policing issue.
However, police have not established any connection between the controversial chant and Marx’s attack.
Meanwhile, North West police made progress in their investigation. Officers arrested two suspects on Saturday.
Police also recovered Marx’s stolen bakkie in Ikageng, near Potchefstroom.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams confirmed the arrests.
Investigators are continuing their search for another suspected attacker.
Meanwhile, Marx remains in hospital, where doctors describe his condition as serious but stable.