Pretoria – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has called the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate the violation of human rights of families living at Progress Farm and the surrounding areas in Richmond, Pietermaritzburg.
This follows the brutal attack of a six-year old boy, Seluleko Xaba, by a baboon in his house at Progress Farm.
“It’s been brought to the attention of the Office of the Premier that the attack took place after the farm owner had warned that his baboons should not be hurt. This after the family had alerted him about a troop of baboons that were roaming on the farm and chasing children,” said Premier Mchunu.
Seluleko was admitted at Edendale Hospital with deep lacerations on his back and thigh. He was sent to theatre for debridement, washout and closure of the wounds.
He is currently on strong pain medication and IV antibiotics. He has also been given anti rabies vaccine.
The Premier said a team of health professionals has been assigned to ensure the provision of quality healthcare to Seluleko, who remains in a critical but stable condition at the hospital.
He said it was unfortunate that Human Rights Month was ending with such a gruesome incident involving an innocent child.
“This is a sad reminder of ongoing violation of human rights of farm workers and farm dwellers. Following this incident, we have uncovered untold sufferings of families living on farms in Richmond.”
Families have complained that for years that they have been fending off sustained attacks from a troop of baboons owned by the farm owner.
“For years, family crops have been destroyed by these baboons exposing the families to food insecurity and abject poverty. Sadly, repeated pleas to the farm owner have been ignored. This is a clear indication that the welfare of baboons is the priority.
“It is for this reason that I have assigned officials attached to the human rights unit and office of the Status of Women and Children located in the Premier’s Office to liaise with the SAHRC. We want an urgent investigation into the violation of human rights of many families living on this farm and surrounding areas,” the Premier said.
He said farm workers and their families remain physically, socially and economically isolated from many opportunities.
“As government we are speeding up programmes aimed at ensuring that these families have access to government services such as schools, healthcare facilities, decent housing and others. We will continue with our efforts aimed at ensuring co-existence of farmers and farm workers, including surrounding communities.”
The Premier said an integrated approach has been adopted to ensure they save Seluleko’s life and provide counselling to the traumatised children living on the farm.
“This intervention involves the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Department of Community Safety and Liaison and the South African Police Services,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Premier said his office will also approach the Provincial Land Claims Commissioner to request him to assess progress regarding the land claim lodged by the affected families living on the farm.
Source: South Africa Government News Agency