Durban - A cattle farmer was in a critical condition after being shot in the stomach in a robbery on his Hluhluwe farm in Zululand early on Tuesday.
Peter-John Hassard, who is in his mid-thirties, underwent surgery at the Richards Bay Hospital, a friend, Casper Badenhorst, told The Mercury on Tuesday night.
He said Hassard had heard screams at 5am coming from the nearby compound where the farmworkers lived.
“He was worried about his staff and wanted to help. (His staff) were being held hostage and robbed by a gang of armed men,” he said.
Hassard was driving towards the compound when the gang stopped him.
There was a scuffle for a gun, which was when the farmer was overpowered and shot in the stomach. The robbers ran off, Badenhorst said.
The farmworkers were robbed of cellphones and electrical appliances, he said.
A security company and police arrived soon afterwards and Hassard was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Badenhorst, who is a pineapple farmer, described his long-time friend as a humble person who spoke fluent Zulu and always helped those in need.
“I spoke to his family tonight and they are traumatised. (Hassard) cannot even talk.”
Hassard is a member of the board of the Red Meat Association.
Koos Marais, of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, condemned the attack.
“We are concerned by the attack on another food producer.
“The continuation of attacks on farmers is senseless and we call on the government and the police to do more to ensure that farmers are protected.”
Police spokesman Thulani Zwane confirmed the incident and said Hluhluwe police were investigating attempted murder and robbery charges.
The Mercury