Publications
Partners
UPDATE: Suspect arrested for murder of farm-attack activist Annette Kennealy
Police are on the hunt for an employee of Annette Kennealy, who was found murdered on her farm near Makhado in Limpopo.
Netwerk24 reported that Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe has called on one Kenny Ramatshimbila, who resides in the Mauluma area in the Vhembe district of Limpopo, to report to the Makhado police station for questioning. He reportedly lived on the premises and has subsequently disappeared.
Kennealy, 50, was an activist against farm attacks and related murders.
According to Times Live, the incident took place late on Monday evening or early on Tuesday morning on the farm Welgevonden.
Ngoepe reportedly said: "It is alleged that the deceased, Annette Kennealy, who was staying with her employee, was attacked by unknown suspects at this farm. The family members tried to call her without success, until one of them went to investigate.
"On arrival he found the deceased inside the house lying in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds. The whereabouts of the deceased's employee is unknown at this stage."
According to Maroela Media, Kennealy's body was found with several wounds to her head. A hammer and iron pipe were found next to her body.
Kennealy was outspoken about farm murders, Her last Facebook posts highlighted the issue. On May 19, she posted a link claiming that ten farm attacks, including one murder, had been reported in four days.
Maroela Media quoted agricultural union TLU SA's Henk van de Graaf as saying that Kennealy was committed to highlighting the scourge of farm attacks and murders.
"If someone like Kennealy, who was known as an activist, becomes a victim herself, one should beg the question whether this was more than just a 'regular' farm attack," Van de Graaf said in a statement.
Netwerk24 quoted Kim Harris, Kennealy's sister, who said that [her murder] felt unreal. "I still can't believe it," she reportedly said. She told the publication that the police would not allow the family near the crime scene. "All I know is that it was a brutal murder," she reportedly said.
On Wedneday, the DA issued a statement in which it sent its condolences to the family of Kennealy.
"Ms Kennealy served the DA as a councillor between 2011 to 2014 and will be remembered for her selfless service and her commitment towards human rights," provincial DA leader Jacques Smalle said.
"We hope that those responsible will soon be apprehended and that justice will be served.
"I personally have known Ms Kennealy for more than 40 years and will remember her for our shared passion of the arts, her sober expression for her love of the country and her love for nature and animals," Smalle said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Kennealy's two daughters, Astrid and Megan, her sister Kim, her mother and immediate family and friends during this difficult time."
Ngoepe reportedly said a manhunt has been launched to find the person or people who killed Kennealy.
Anyone with information about the incident was urged to contact Captain Muthuhandini Tinyani on 072 470 1444 or call the police emergency number 10111.
