According to sanews.gov.za, Modise said she was saddened by the abandonment and trauma that the livestock suffered after workers employed on the farm “unceremoniously left without notice".
She further welcomed the assistance offered from farmers who have volunteered to help her in bringing the situation on the farm to normality.
“I had for the past three years visited the farm on a fortnightly basis and took personal interest as to what was happening on the farm and in my absence made necessary arrangements for the livestock to be well looked after and fed until this tragic and unfortunate incident,” she said.
An interim farm manager has been appointed.
Modise said she is in the process of leasing out the farm to focus on her new responsibilities after her relocation to Cape Town.
The National Council of SPCAs confirmed in a statement that criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act will be laid against all involved whose actions or negligence led to animals suffering to the point of starvation and resorting to eating one another.
