Julius Malema Addresses Brutal Farm Attack and Defends ‘Kill the Boer’ Chant at EFF Rally

Nomfundo Khumalo Published 20 seconds ago

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EFF leader Julius Malema has addressed the brutal attack on North West farmer Donovan Marx, condemning the violence while defending the controversial struggle song commonly known as “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer”.

Malema made the remarks during an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 31 October 2026, where he spoke about farm attacks, the safety of farming communities and allegations that political rhetoric contributes to violence.

His comments come days after Marx, a 50-year-old farmer from the Ventersdorp area in North West, was brutally assaulted during an attack on his property.

According to reports, Marx was shot in the shoulder, stabbed in the leg and had both ears cut off by his attackers. The suspects allegedly fled in his farm vehicle after a worker arrived at the scene.

The attack has attracted widespread attention because of its severity and has renewed public debate about farm safety and violent crime in South Africa.

During his address, Malema questioned how anyone could subject another person to such extreme violence, referring to the shooting, stabbing and removal of Marx’s ears.

He insisted that the EFF had never called for the literal killing of farmers and rejected the suggestion that the party promoted violence against white or black farming communities.

Malema also defended the controversial “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” chant, arguing that it was a historical liberation song and was never intended as a literal instruction to kill people.

He questioned how the country could target the people responsible for producing food and contributing to the agricultural sector.

Malema also directed criticism at the police, demanding that those responsible for the attack be identified and arrested.

He said the people who attacked Marx should be brought to Orlando Stadium, where the EFF would teach them a lesson, accusing the police of failing to protect the farmer.

His remarks came as police confirmed a breakthrough in the investigation, with two suspects arrested in connection with the attack on Saturday, 31 October.

North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams confirmed that a multidisciplinary police team had tracked down two suspects following an investigation led by Captain Bonita Dreyer.

Police also recovered Marx’s stolen vehicle, which had been abandoned in the Ikageng area near Potchefstroom. Forensic specialists processed the vehicle for possible DNA evidence.

Authorities confirmed that investigators were still pursuing other suspects believed to have been involved in the attack.

Footage from the Orlando Stadium rally has also attracted attention because of the manner in which Malema led supporters in song following his speech.

While the controversial “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer” chant was discussed and defended during his address, footage shows Malema singing a different verse, omitting the words “Kill the Boer”.

The alternative verse included lyrics translated as: “Even then shoot us, arrest us, we keep going. It’s hard, but we keep going.”

The moment has generated further discussion around the EFF leader’s position on the controversial song, particularly following the brutal attack on Marx.

Malema also addressed claims that white South Africans, particularly farmers, are being subjected to genocide.

He dismissed the white genocide narrative, saying that continued farm killings were contributing to a damaging portrayal of South Africa.

However, he acknowledged that attacks on farming communities needed to stop, making it clear that neither white nor black farmers should be targeted.

He said: “No white farmer must be killed. No black farmer must be killed. No woman must be killed.”

Malema also criticised the Government of National Unity over what he described as its failure to adequately protect rural communities.

He argued that a historical liberation song should not be used as an excuse for the government’s failure to address crime and protect farmers and farmworkers.

The comments come amid renewed international and domestic scrutiny of the controversial chant and political rhetoric surrounding farm attacks.

The attack on Donovan Marx has intensified discussions about rural security, the protection of farming communities and the responsibility of political leaders when addressing issues involving race and violence.

#EFF It’s a wrap at Orlando stadium in Soweto as @EFFSouthAfrica leader @Julius_S_Malema concludes his address at the party’s Tshela Thupa rally. #eNCA https://t.co/ALk7Brb6jH
— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) October 31, 2026