US Raises Alarms Over Attacks on White Farmers in South Africa

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The U.S. State Department has renewed its concerns over violence targeting white farmers in South Africa, describing the rural attacks as more than just common crime. The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) stated that recent investigations in the country revealed a disturbing pattern of brutality in farm-related violence.

According to the DRL, officials visited South Africa to assess the rising violence in rural communities. The bureau’s visit was aligned with directives under President Donald Trump’s administration, which returned to office earlier this year. Trump had previously halted all U.S. aid to South Africa, citing concerns of discrimination against the country’s white minority.

In a statement, the DRL said the U.S. supports South Africa’s economic potential but warned that the current level of lawlessness and violent crime, particularly against farmers, threatens bilateral relations and future cooperation.

“Local sources reported 296 farm attacks and 49 murders in 2023. The South African Police Service has confirmed that farm-related murders rose to 55 in 2024,” the DRL said. Victims are often elderly, live in isolated areas, and face delayed law enforcement response.

The bureau emphasized that some cases suggest a motive beyond theft or economic hardship. In multiple incidents, nothing was stolen from the victims, suggesting the violence may be ideologically or racially driven.

“In one case, a man was beaten and hacked with a machete. In another, an elderly woman was assaulted and repeatedly stabbed; neither case involved robbery,” the report noted.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has rejected claims of a targeted campaign against white South Africans, arguing that violent crime affects all citizens, with Black South Africans making up the majority of victims. However, U.S. officials say the pattern and brutality of rural farm attacks deserve international scrutiny.

President Trump also imposed new tariffs on South African exports, raising the trade duty to 30%. Other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, will face a 15% tariff increase, set to take effect within days.

The DRL urged the South African government to confront the situation head-on. “It is imperative that authorities speak clearly and act decisively to address crime and prevent further violence,” the bureau said.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, alongside the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, is expected to hold a press briefing on Monday. Officials are set to address the tariff measures and provide updates on U.S.-South Africa trade negotiations.