The farming and non-farming communities of KwaZulu-Natal’s Shakaskraal district are reportedly still in shock following the knife attack that claimed the life of Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh (52), a fourth-generation sugarcane grower in the area.

By Lloyd Phillips, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

In the early hours of Friday, 30 January, a single male whose face was masked by a balaclava broke into the Roopsinghs’ Shantiniketan residence on the family’s Norwood Sugar Estate.

The suspect, who according to a police statement was armed with a knife or knives, then held Roopsingh, his uncle (77), mother (73), aunt (age unknown) and a domestic worker (age unknown) hostage.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, says, “The suspect allegedly assaulted and stabbed [the] two men who were in the house.”

The suspect is believed to have stolen a shotgun, a pistol and an air gun before fleeing the scene.

Roopsingh’s mother, Geetha, was able to untie herself from the suspect’s bonds and call for help.

Roopsingh and his uncle were rushed to hospital for treatment of their stab wounds. Roopsingh succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, 3 February.

His uncle is still being treated in hospital.

Netshiunda says police in the Umhlali district are investigating cases of murder and house robbery. No arrests have been made yet.

The Funeral Service For Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh (52), A Sugarcane Grower In The Shakaskraal District In Kwazulu-Natal, Was Held On 6 February At His Norwood Sugar Estate. Photos: Facebook And Alamy/Rawf8 — The funeral service for Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh (52), a sugarcane grower in the Shakaskraal district in KwaZulu-Natal, was held on 6 February at his Norwood Sugar Estate. Photos: Facebook and Alamy/Rawf8

Both The South African Farmers Development Association And The South African Canegrowers’ Association Have Strongly Condemned The Violence That Often Accompanies Attacks And Murders On Farms. Photo For Illustrative Purposes: Alamy/Rawf8 — Both the South African Farmers Development Association and the South African Canegrowers’ Association have strongly condemned the violence that often accompanies attacks and murders on farms. Photo for illustrative purposes: Alamy/Rawf8

Fourth-generation Farmer and Philanthropist

Dash Singh, Roopsingh’s cousin, says family and friends in South Africa and across the world are struggling to come to terms with Roopsingh’s death and the violence that accompanied it.

“What eats me up is that we’ve never been a family that plays only for ourselves. We’ve always wanted to do, and have done, so much for others in our community.”

Singh says Roopsingh was a fourth-generation sugarcane grower descended from his great-grandfather, Rupram Baboo Roopsingh, who, in 1892, arrived in South Africa from India as a 19-year-old “slave”, or indentured labourer.

Rupram, his son Sudhama, his grandson Giyanshwar and his great-grandson Aman successively overcame multiple hurdles to build and maintain a successful family sugarcane farming operation.

Their more public philanthropic activities included building and supporting local schools, donating land for and supporting a local Hindu temple, and funding the construction of a hall at the then ML Sultan Technikon, which is now a campus of the Durban University of Technology.

“We’re blessed that there are many sugarcane-growing friends in the Shakaskraal district who are supporting us now that Aman is gone,” says Singh. “There’s nothing we can do to bring him back, so our focus is on moving forwards.”

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Ongoing Brutality and Barbarism

The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA), which represents the interests of many of the country’s sugarcane growers, says it is deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Roopsingh’s death.

“The loss of a farmer under such violent circumstances is devastating for both the family and the entire farming community, which continues to operate under increasingly unsafe conditions.

“SAFDA has consistently raised serious concerns about rural safety and the persistent violence faced by farmers and farmworkers. The acts of brutality represent an ongoing pattern of barbarism in rural areas and cannot be normalised or ignored.”

SAFDA adds that the murder of Roopsingh, the attack on his uncle and the invasion of the family’s home again highlight the “urgent need for decisive and practical interventions to address rural crime”. These must be driven by meaningful collaboration between government, law enforcement agencies, organised agriculture and the private sector.

“May Mr Roopsingh’s soul rest in peace and may his family find strength during this extremely difficult period.”

Higgins Mdluli, chairperson of the South African Canegrowers Association, which also represents the interests of the country’s sugarcane growers, says: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic farm attack on Aman Giyanshwar Roopsingh. His family has deep roots in the sugarcane-growing community and he will be profoundly missed.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the wider community during this very difficult time. We also hope that the family member currently in hospital makes a full recovery.

“We condemn all acts of violence and stand united against such senseless attacks.”