Cape Town Farmer Arrested for Attempted Murder After Allegedly Running Over 6-Year-Old Boy

Lutzville, South Africa – A 70-year-old farmer from Lutzville on the West Coast is expected to appear in court for the attempted murder of a 6-year-old boy, who was allegedly run over by the farmer, Christoffel Stoman, for taking oranges from his orchard. The incident, which took place on Friday afternoon, has sparked outrage and prompted calls for justice from the local community.

According to Billy Claasen, a representative of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, the child and his mother were walking near the farmer’s property when the alleged incident occurred. Both of the boy’s legs were reportedly broken in the attack.

“We acknowledge that the child allegedly took some fruit from the orchard, but nothing justifies the farmer’s reaction,” Claasen said. “The farmer saw the child and his mother next to the road near his farm, and then deliberately drove over the child.”

Claasen emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the farmer allegedly told police that he would do it again. The child was initially treated at Vredendal Hospital before being transferred to Paarl Hospital, where it was confirmed that both of his legs were broken. He has since been moved to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town for emergency medical treatment.

“Children must be protected, not harmed,” Claasen added. “This is a serious crime, and we call on the authorities, including social development services, to intervene. Violence against children, especially in rural areas, cannot be tolerated.”

The Lutzville police have opened an attempted murder case and charged the farmer with reckless and negligent driving. Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie confirmed the details of the case, stating that the farmer, who was driving a vehicle with a trailer, allegedly drove directly toward the boy and his mother, hitting the boy and driving over him. The farmer was arrested and is set to appear in the Lutzville Magistrate’s Court today.

Claasen and other local activists are calling for the community to rally against the possibility of bail being granted to the farmer. “This kind of aggressive behavior cannot be excused,” he said. “Too many vulnerable children are hurt or killed in this country. It is a pandemic of violence that we must address head-on.”

The incident has ignited widespread condemnation, with many urging law enforcements to take a firm stance against such acts of brutality, particularly when it comes to violence against women and children.

As the investigation continues, the case has drawn attention to the broader issue of safety and protection for farmworkers and their families, many of whom face harsh conditions and live under the constant threat of violence.