Mpumalanga farmer faces trial for threatening farm dwellers

A farmer in Mpumalanga, Janneman Uys, is set to face a court trial on November 11 for allegedly threatening farm dwellers and using violence on the Waterval farm in Dithabeng. Uys appeared in the Verena Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where his bail was extended and the trial date was pushed back. He faces allegations of crimen injuria, pointing a firearm, and assault by threat.

These charges stem from an incident that occurred in September at the Madisa family homestead, where Uys allegedly threatened family members with a firearm, pushed one of them, and threw stones, resulting in injuries to a 12-year-old boy. The family also claims that Uys threatened to send a group of individuals to kill them and vowed to ensure they left the farm.

Samkelo Mabena, a family member, recounted that Uys arrived at the homestead, demanded to know the whereabouts of his uncles, became aggressive when told he did not know, and threatened to send vigilante people to kill them. Erika Madisa, another family member, reported that children were playing in the yard when they saw Uys approaching aggressively, causing them to flee.

She alleged that he struck a 12-year-old child with a stone, injuring their foot. The family opened a criminal case after Uys allegedly threatened to send men to kill her brother. The family's claims come amid growing concerns about violence, intimidation, and displacement on the farm within the Thembisile Hani local municipality.

The farm has witnessed several incidents involving killings, arson, house burnings, and the death of two farm dwellers in recent years. One resident, January Madisa, expressed hope that the police are now taking their cases seriously, believing justice will prevail. Attempts to reach Uys for comment on the terror allegations have so far been unsuccessful.