KwaZulu-Natal MEC for agriculture and rural development Lydia Johnson on Friday condemned the killing of a farmer in Rietvlei outside Mzimkhulu on the province's south coast.

Alan Rowe was shot by unknown attackers while driving home on Wednesday night.

"I condemn as senseless and criminal the killing of farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. The death of Mr Rowe leaves us as the agriculture community that much poorer," said Johnson.

The newly appointed MEC promised to prioritise safety and security in the farming and rural communities.

"In this regard we will work closely with the MEC for police in the province Mr Bheki Cele and all the relevant security structures to ensure that rural areas are safe places for all to live in," she said. - Sapa