Charles Back still positive after brutal farm attack

By Jeandré du Preez
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Messages of support have been flooding in for 2017 Agricultural Writers SA National Farmer of the Year, Charles Back, owner of Fairview near Paarl, following a brutal attack by three assailants in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 14 February.

Charles Back still positive after brutal farm attack
Owner of Fairview near Paarl, Charles Back, was severely beaten by three assailants in a brutal attack on his farm.
Photo: Fairview Wine and Cheese
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At the time of the award, Agricultural Writers SA described Back as having built Fairview from a family farm to an international brand for its wine, cheese and tourism.

Fairview wines and cheeses have been awarded top local and international awards over the years.

READ Farm security: crucial tips to improve safety

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In a statement, Back has described the attack as both physically and emotionally painful:

“I was beaten up with a crowbar, have broken bones, was rolled up into a carpet and left for dead in my home. My escape is nothing short of miraculous, and I feel like I have come back from the dead. I am so grateful to be alive, and my heart goes out to all the people that have lost their family members in the ongoing farm attacks”.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the attack.

READ The safety of our farming communities

Agri Western Cape CEO, Carl Opperman, said that the safety of all their producers, farmworkers and their families remained a top priority for Agri Western Cape.
“We wish him all the best, and a speedy and full recovery.”
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Jeandré van der Walt
Jeandré Du Preez is the newest addition to the Farmer’s Weekly team. Originating from a Riversdal farming family, she has farming in her blood. After school she furthered her studies at Stellenbosch and has been working as an agricultural journalist for the past two years. She says she feels privileged to write about an industry paramount to the survival of all South Africans and is inspired by the innovative solutions with which the farming community bridges the many challenges they face. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments. If she is not writing or visiting farms, you’ll find her relaxing with a good mystery novel or exploring her other passions: travelling and cooking.

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