MEC Kekana speaks out against farm murder and wants strong action against father after tragic shooting

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), led by MEC Nakedi Kekana, has strongly condemned the tragic killing of a farm labourer in Thabazimbi. This deeply regrettable incident involved an 11-year-old boy who was reportedly shooting at guinea fowl on a farm. The MEC has highlighted this event as a stark reminder of how crucial farm safety is, especially when it comes to responsibly handling and storing firearms on agricultural land. She is calling for the father of the boy, who has been arrested for negligently handling the firearm, to be held fully accountable by the law. Furthermore, MEC Kekana urges all farm owners and managers to urgently review and improve their safety measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again, ensuring farms remain safe and productive places.

Detailed list of key information

• Location: The incident took place on a farm in Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The media statement originated from Polokwane.
• Date of statement: 13 October 2025.
• People involved:
  • MEC Nakedi Kekana: The Member of the Executive Council for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
  • An 11-year-old boy: Allegedly pulled the trigger that killed the farm labourer.
  • Deceased farm labourer: An unnamed farm worker who tragically lost their life.
  • Father of the 11-year-old boy: Arrested for negligent handling of a firearm.
• Companies or institutions involved:
  • Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD): Issued the statement and is led by MEC Kekana.
  • South African Police Service (SAPS): Being called upon by MEC Kekana to ensure the father’s accountability.
  • National Prosecuting Authority (NPA): Also being called upon to ensure the father’s accountability under the law.
• Media enquiries:
  • Pelane Phakgadi, MEC Spokesperson, contact number: 060 505 4236.
  • Moshupologo Mothotse, Director: Communications Services, contact number: 066 470 4264.

A simple well-written article on the media statement

This media statement from MEC Nakedi Kekana of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development expresses profound sadness and condemnation following the tragic death of a farm labourer in Thabazimbi. The incident, which saw an 11-year-old boy allegedly shooting at guinea fowl before the fatality, has sent shockwaves through the community and underscored a severe lapse in safety on agricultural properties.

The MEC made it very clear that farms should be safe places where people work and live, contributing to our food security and rural livelihoods. This preventable tragedy, she explained, points to a shocking neglect of basic safety rules and a worrying lack of awareness that simply cannot be allowed to happen again. It’s a reminder that firearms, in the wrong hands or left carelessly, can lead to devastating consequences.

In response, MEC Kekana has urgently called on both the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to make sure that the father, who has already been arrested, faces the full force of the law for his negligent handling of the firearm. She stressed that adults who are trusted with firearms on farms have a clear responsibility to protect the lives of workers, their families, and the wider community. Firearms should never be involved in what was supposed to be a harmless pastime.

Looking ahead, the MEC is strongly encouraging all farm owners and managers to take immediate action. They must review and significantly strengthen their safety procedures, especially concerning firearms and how easily children can access them. It’s imperative that farms remain secure and productive environments where risks are properly managed, preventing such heartbreaking incidents. She highlighted that responsible oversight isn’t just an option; it’s absolutely vital to protect lives and safeguard the entire agricultural sector.

The department has also extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased farm worker, and MEC Kekana herself plans to visit the family this week to offer support. You can find more news from the Premier’s Office by visiting this link.

Benefits to the community and participation

This initiative by MEC Kekana aims to bring several benefits to the community. By emphasising stricter firearm safety and responsible oversight on farms, it directly enhances the safety of farm workers and their families, who are often vulnerable. It also contributes to a safer rural environment for everyone. Improved safety protocols help to ensure that farms can continue to be productive, contributing to food security and rural development without the threat of avoidable tragedies. A safe agricultural sector is a stable one, which benefits the local economy and livelihoods.

While the immediate call to action is for farm owners and managers, the broader community can play a vital role in supporting these efforts. Community members can participate by reporting any unsafe firearm practices they witness on farms to the authorities. They can also advocate for and support policies that promote farm safety and accountability. By fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility, everyone contributes to making agricultural spaces secure and free from preventable harm.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What happened in Thabazimbi?
A farm labourer was tragically killed on a farm in Thabazimbi. The incident involved an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly shooting at guinea fowl with a firearm.

2. Who is MEC Nakedi Kekana?
MEC Nakedi Kekana is the Member of the Executive Council for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She issued this media statement condemning the incident.

3. Why is this incident particularly worrying?
It’s worrying because it highlights a serious failure in basic safety rules and responsible handling of firearms on farms. Farms are meant to be safe workplaces, and such an incident should never happen.

4. What action is being taken against the father of the boy?
The father has been arrested for the negligent handling of a firearm. MEC Kekana is urging the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure he is held fully accountable under the law.

5. What does the MEC want farm owners and managers to do?
The MEC is urging all farm owners and managers to immediately review and strengthen their safety practices, particularly concerning firearms and preventing minors from accessing them. They must ensure farms are secure and risks are properly managed.

6. How important is responsible oversight on farms?
According to the MEC, responsible oversight is not optional; it is absolutely essential to protect lives and safeguard the agricultural sector from tragic incidents.

7. How does farm safety contribute to the community?
Farm safety is crucial because farms contribute to food security, rural development, and livelihoods. Keeping them safe protects workers, their families, and the wider community, ensuring these vital functions can continue without tragic disruptions.

8. Will MEC Kekana be reaching out to the victim’s family?
Yes, MEC Kekana has extended her deepest condolences to the family of the deceased farm worker and plans to visit them this week.

9. Can community members report unsafe practices?
Yes, while the primary responsibility rests with farm owners, community members can support safety efforts by reporting any unsafe firearm practices or security concerns they observe on farms to the relevant authorities, like the SAPS.

10. Where can I find more information about the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s initiatives?
You can usually find more information and updates on the official Limpopo Provincial Government website.

11. Who should I contact for media enquiries about this statement?
For media enquiries, you can contact Pelane Phakgadi, MEC Spokesperson, at 060 505 4236, or Moshupologo Mothotse, Director: Communications Services, at 066 470 4264.

12. What does “negligent handling of a firearm” mean?
This refers to a situation where a person owning or in charge of a firearm fails to take reasonable care to ensure it is handled safely, stored securely, and not accessible to unauthorised individuals, especially minors. Such negligence can lead to serious accidents or injuries.