Sanco calls for probe into farmworker’s death

The SA National Civic Organisation in the North West called for a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of a farmworker allegedly ‘left to die’ from a leg injury.

Ventersdorp – The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the North West on Saturday called for a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jan Rammekwa – a farmworker allegedly “left to die” from a leg injury caused by a harvesting machine.

Rammekwa’s burial is being held in Tshing township near Ventersdorp on Saturday, Sanco provincial chairman Paul Sebegoe said.

“We wish to convey our condolences to the Rammekwa family that lost their loved one in this tragic incident. An investigation will also assist to prevent similar incidents at the specific farm, including others in our farming communities,” he said.

Sebegoe urged the authorities to investigate whether an occupational health and safety plan was in place and had been adhered to.

“We are deeply concerned about allegations that Rammekwa and his supervisor had argued before his leg was chopped off by the harvesting machine, which was supposedly switched on deliberately while the deceased was looking for something stuck in it. The alleged delays in getting him medical assistance and informing his family about his death are equally disturbing.

“If found to be true, the supervisor, who is said to be a suspect in the matter, should be immediately locked up. Violation of human rights, racial abuse, and callous murders warrant harshest sentences that will serve as a deterrent to others within our farming communities. Justice must be seen to be done,” Sebegoe said.

According to a report in The Sowetan, Rammekwa’s brother-in-law Patrick Pholo also claimed that the Doornplaat Group, which owned farms in the area, had not communicated timeously with the family to give them details of the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

African News Agency (ANA)