S.Africa: AfriForum urges Kuruman prosecutor to reinstate case of murdered farmer

(006516.73:E-002257.55:N-WOM:R-UR:C-30:V)   

12 June 2025

AfriForum has written to the Senior State Prosecutor at the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court to express its deep concern and profound disappointment at the gross miscarriage of justice following the removal of the case of the murdered 81 year old farmer Hendrik Venter from the court roll. The civil rights organisation demands in a formal letter to the Senior State Prosecutor that immediate remedial action be taken to ensure that justice is served. AfriForum has also raised its concerns about the systemic failures of this court.

“This devastating failure of justice for the Venter family and the broader public demands immediate action from authorities. That is why the case must be reinstated with great urgency and escalated to the regional court, as senior members of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) repeatedly assured it would be,” says Thomas van Dalen, AfriForum’s Regional Head for the Northen Cape.

This development has compounded the trauma experienced by the Venter family and further eroded public trust in the justice system’s ability to adequately respond to crimes of this nature. It is unacceptable that systemic inefficiencies and a lack of prosecutorial will, can result in the suspension of justice. AfriForum has therefore also requested that the NPA urgently review and report on the procedural and administrative failures that led to this breakdown.

“This is not just an administrative oversight — it is an abandonment of justice. The NPA owes it to the Venter family, and every other family devastated by farm attacks, to fight for justice and ensure that these cases are not swept aside,” says Van Dalen.

AfriForum stands ready to assist the NPA in any way possible, including engaging private forensic laboratories or providing legal support, to ensure this case proceeds efficiently and without further delay. AfriForum will continue to monitor the case closely.

Statement issued by Thomas van Dalen, AfriForum, Regional Head: Northern Cape, 12 June 2025

Source: https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/afriforum-urges-kuruman-prosecutor-to-reinstate-ca?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=a02c093bb3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_29_11_20_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-59ed0c78cb-140246843