South African Farmer Faces Violent Land Grab Amid Police Inaction

Tensions Rise Over Expropriation Bill as Legal Protections Fail

A disturbing land dispute has erupted in rural South Africa, where farmer Jacques Badenhorst was allegedly forced off his 470-hectare farm on July 10, 2025.

According to reports from Maroela Media, dozens of occupiers linked to the Mariba Trust stormed the property near the Botswana border, scattering livestock and claiming ownership of wild game, despite Badenhorst holding a valid lease and a court-issued protection order.

Shockingly, police stood by, watching as the unlawful eviction unfolded, with Badenhorst claiming they were “too scared to act.”

The trust canceled his lease in December 2024 without notice or a legal eviction order, a move Badenhorst says violates South African law.

This incident highlights tensions over the country’s 2025 Expropriation Bill, aimed at expropriating white owned land without compensation to address perceived historical inequities after 31 years under ANC rule.

With mainstream media largely silent, critics warn of a growing crisis threatening property rights and democracy in the region.

Yes, there are farm seizures in SA. No, the police will not intervene. Yes, the courts will issue protection orders. No, neither the invaders nor the police will abide by them. Yes, the farmer will lose everything. No, the mainstream media won't report any of this.… pic.twitter.com/eDnPBgNmrv

— WSM (@TheJaundicedEye) July 14, 2025

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Maroela Media: Besetters wil boer glo van plaas jaag, sy wild gryp