Outrage at 'terror farm'

2003-07-10 10:12

Craig Bishop

Pietermaritzburg - Utrecht farmworkers have vowed to take the law into their own hands against the Landman family, whom they accuse of conducting a reign of terror for more than 20 years.

Police are investigating the death of farmworker Matshitshi Nkosi, allegedly run over by farmer Johan Landman, who has already appeared in court on charges of attempted murder and assault.

Nkosi was allegedly killed by Landman on Monday. Landman told police a cow strayed in front of his bakkie, forcing him to swerve and hit Nkosi, who was on a bicycle.

Nkosi was the brother-in-law of one of Landman's employees, Samuel Ndlovu, who died two weeks ago after allegedly being assaulted by Landman's father Theodore.

The Natal Witness reported last month that Theodore Landman, the owner of Zyhoek farm, and his son Jacobus Thomas Landman (26) are charged with the attempted murder of employee Isaac Fanyana Nkosi, a relative of Nkosi, on January 14, 2001.

Theodore and Johan Landman (28) are also charged with two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm on Siphiwe Nkosi and Samuel Ndlovu in December 2001.

Last month, KZN Environmental Affairs and Agriculture MEC Dumisani Makhaye set up a task team to investigate allegations by the community that the Landmans operate a "reign of terror" ignored by the authorities. The community have opened 20 counts of intimidation and assault against Theodore Landman, but claim police and prosecutors refuse to prosecute.

Utrecht Crisis Committee spokesperson Jabulani Msibi told the Witness on Wednesday the community has promised bloodshed unless Land Affairs Minister Thoko Didiza or Makhaye intervene.

"[Landman] promised to kill the family who were making trouble for him. Now he has done it. I have never seen the community so angry," he warned.

- The Witness