FUNGI KWARAMBA  •  22 MAY 2014 11:38AM  •  1 COMMENT

HARARE – A white commercial farmer died on Tuesday from injuries sustained after a brutal attack  that also claimed his daughter’s life.

Malcom Francis died nearly a week after the death of his daughter Catherine.

They were attacked by a mob reportedly terrorising Guruve in Mashonaland Central.

In a statement, Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) president Charles Taffs said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing away of Malcolm Francis who was so brutally assaulted together with his daughter Catherine on their Guruve farm last week”.

“The CFU together with its members offer our most sincere condolences to the family and remain available for any assistance that may be required by the family at this most difficult time.

“May his dear soul rest in peace and may our dear Lord be with them all.”

Informed sources said police officers who responded to the crime picked up knob-kerries with metal heads at the murder scene, where condoms were also recovered. Catherine was reportedly gang raped by the marauding thugs.

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba referred questions to her deputy Paul Nyathi, who was not picking up his phone.

Martin Dinha, minister of State for Mashonaland Central, urged the remaining white farms to increase their security.

“As a province, we are concerned by this spate of violent crimes targeted at these farmers,” Dinha said.

“I am aware that the police are investigating the matter and I am sure we are going to arrest the culprits. I am sure there is fear and anxiety among the farmers but we are going to deal with the matter.”

Dinha said authorities were keen to get to the bottom of the matter.

“Whatever the motive of this heinous crime, the province will not rest until the culprits have been arrested,” Dinha said.

“We have received offers to reward anyone who helps find these people because we value the contribution that these farmers are bringing.

“Francis had an offer letter and co-existed well with new farmers.”

The mob attacked father and daughter who were strolling along the small Gurungwe gap road connecting Mvurwi-Guruve Road and Centenary-Mazowe Road at dusk.

The two were left for dead and found  unconscious on Wednesday by farm labourers, who subsequently ferried them to a hospital in Harare.