Farm Worker Dies, Another Hurt, and Farmers Hit by Huge Losses in North West Veld Fires

Farm Worker Dies, Another Hurt, and Farmers Hit by Huge Losses in North West Veld Fires

24 August 2011

published by www.allafrica.com


South Africa — North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Ms Desbo Mohono, wishes to convey her condolences to the family of a 21-year-old farmworker who died in a raging veld fire on farm, at Groot Marico area in the North West Province on Tuesday afternoon.

The farmworker was reportedly gathering cattle to protect them from the fire when he caught the blaze. His body was later discovered after the fire was brought under control. A colleague of his was also hurt in the fire, which was fuelled by strong winds, which were blowing at around 53 km/h.

The preliminary assessment has revealed that farmers were the worst hit by the veld fires experienced on Tuesday with damages estimated to run into millions. One farmer at Boskop farm, outside Coligny towards Ventersdorp along the N14 had to put down 120 cattle while another at Rooipan farm between Klerkskraal and Carletonville along had to put down 21 cattle.

The MEC Mohono also wishes to extend her sympathies to the farmers on their losses, and will be briefing the MEC for Agriculture Boitumelo Tshwene on the situation.


Print Friendly, PDF & Email
WP-Backgrounds Lite by InoPlugs Web Design and Juwelier Schönmann 1010 Wien