Abused labourers testify against farmers

Farmers in South Africa’s Northern Province who abuse their illegal Zimbabwean labourers and then simply deport them when they complain could be in for an unpleasant surprise, African Eye reported on Wednesday. A provincial land rights organisation is reportedly helping the victims of starvation, torture, and underpayment return to South Africa to testify against farmers. Nkuzi Development Association (NDA) helped the first deported Zimbabwean, a labourer who was so badly savaged by dogs that he was confined to a wheelchair, return to testify in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate Court.

Mike Maswero told the court that farmer Piet Smith, of Ringer Farm near Louis Trichardt, tied him to a tree and set guard dogs on him after he asked for financial assistance to bury his mother. The assault charges against Smith were on the verge of being dropped before NDA stepped in, because investigators contended that Maswero was a prohibited person and could not be traced in Zimbabwe. “It’s a common ploy. Farmers have in the past simply deported anyone who poses a threat or who demands justice,” said NDA executive director Marc Wegerif.

“Farmers were getting away with murder - but not for much longer. We will bring witnesses back to testify from now on.”

Smith’s trial was postponed to 7 August this week when his attorney, who appeared surprised at Maswero’s appearance in court, requested more time to prepare his defence. Maswero reportedly worked for Smith as a general labourer for three months without payment from November last year. He was deported in February after demanding payment, but returned weeks later when his mother died in Zimbabwe and he needed money to bury her.