Farm murder blamed on government
2011-02-21 10:22
Stellenbosch - The widow of a murdered Stellenbosch farmer says she doesn't hold a grudge against his killers, but holds the government responsible for his death.
“I blame my husband’s death on the government. Members of Parliament enrich themselves instead of doing something about illegal immigrants, or focusing on job creation and poverty relief," said Zelda Costa, 42.
She was speaking to Die Burger on Sunday following the death of her husband Alberto Costa, 44, on their farm Cloetesdal, right next to Khayamandi, early on Friday morning.
No grudge
Costa was shot dead just outside the farmhouse door when he went out to investigate suspicious noises.
"I don’t hold a grudge against the person or people who killed my husband. They didn’t come to murder Alberto Costa; they don’t even know his name. They probably came here to put food on their tables.
“But I do resent the government,” she repeated in an emotional yet firm voice.
About 12 friends held a meeting on the farm on Sunday to discuss how they can help the widow with the practical aspects of the farm.
Rudi Buys, a farmer and a close friend of the victim, said: “If everyone who promised to do so shows up to help with the harvest [on Monday], the rest of Stellenbosch won’t be harvesting.”
Reward
Tiaan Strauss, a former Springbok rugby player and a good friend of the Costa family, confirmed that they have offered a R20 000 reward for information which could lead to the successful arrest and trial of the murderers.
Mrs Costa emphasised that the reward has nothing to do with her wanting revenge.
"But if they aren’t caught, someone else might feel the same pain we’re going through.”
The Costas have two children, Valerio, 7, and Ava, 2.
