Mpumalanga farmer appears in court on intimidation charge amid long-running farm dispute

According to The Citizen, a farmer from Mpumalanga appeared in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court yesterday on an intimidation charge connected to an ongoing dispute involving residents of Waterval farm.

Charge linked to an incident in September 2024

The Citizen reports the charge relates to an incident on 3 September 2024 in which the farmer, Janneman Uys, allegedly assaulted and threatened farm resident Thabang Madisa with a firearm.

Family members describe wider pattern of violence

Madisa’s brother, January Madisa, told The Citizen he was baffled that the farmer was only charged with intimidation because, he said, Uys had attacked his brother at home, assaulted him, pointed a firearm at him and attempted to run him over with a bakkie. In the same interview, January Madisa alleged that Uys had ordered the burning of several homesteads on the farm and the killing of livestock.

Allegations of a prolonged conflict

The Citizen says the case forms part of a broader and highly contentious conflict on the farm, where several families were allegedly forced to leave due to intimidation and violence in a dispute over land occupation and residency rights. The Citizen has reported that, in the past three years, at least four houses were burnt down, two residents were shot dead at their homes at night and livestock were poisoned or shot dead.

Political pressure and police response

The Bolsheviks Party of South Africa welcomed the arrest but raised concerns about delays in the criminal justice process. The party’s general secretary, Seun Mogotji, was quoted by The Citizen saying:

“We stand firmly with Madisa. Victims of violent crime deserve absolute protection, dignity and a swift path to justice.”

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane told The Citizen that the pointing of a firearm and common assault could become additional charges.

Case status

The Citizen reports the matter was postponed to 5 August for further investigation and that Uys’ bail was extended.