Dumisani Phakathi Murdered by Farmers in South Africa: Justice Must Prevail

On 16 September 2023, a tragic and senseless act of violence shook the nation. Dumisani Phakathi, a young man fetching water from a farm’s furrow, was brutally attacked and murdered by farmers in a case that has ignited outrage across South Africa. His lifeless body was later discovered hidden among refuse in a black plastic bag, a stark symbol of the brutality inflicted upon an innocent life.

The perpetrators—Jaco Wessels Kemp, Louise Coetzee, and Gert Frederik van der Merwe—were swiftly arrested following a stop-and-search operation on the R511 towards Brits. They were found driving a bakkie with Phakathi’s body concealed among rubbish, revealing the heinous extent of their crime. After a fair trial, these three farmers were convicted, with sentencing scheduled for 16 March 2026.

This case exposes the deep-seated issues of racial hatred, arrogance, and wickedness that continue to tarnish some parts of South Africa’s farming community. These men, who left behind a joyful braai to commit this act of violence, demonstrated a shocking disregard for human life. Their actions are not only criminal but also morally reprehensible—a stain on the dignity of our nation.

Human life is sacred. The killing of Dumisani Phakathi was not only a crime but a blatant disrespect to the Creator who grants us life. Such acts of violence should be met with the strongest condemnation. South Africa must consider the return of the death penalty for the most heinous crimes, to serve as a deterrent and to uphold the sanctity of life.

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In a nation struggling with violence and injustice, it is imperative that we protect the innocent. Human life should only be taken in self-defense—when one is under attack and responds proportionally. We must stand firm against those who take life unlawfully and without cause.

At Makumbirofa Farms, we are committed to promoting farming projects that uplift the poor, support victims of injustice, and foster a culture of respect and dignity. We call upon all South Africans to support our initiatives—donate via PayPal at makumbirofac@gmail.com—to help build a future where justice and compassion prevail.

Let this tragic incident serve as a stark reminder: we must act decisively against violence, hatred, and cruelty to preserve the soul of our nation. Human life is precious, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to uphold its sanctity.

By Collen Makumbirofa
Makumbirofa Farms
www.makumbirofafarms.co.za
admin@makumbirofafarms.co.za
makumbirofac@gmail.com