Owner Carl Gathmann said he‚ his family and staff came under attack on Monday night. "There was arson‚ a break-in and the crops were set alight. We are safe for now‚" he said.
Aussicht farm is believed to be the largest producer of broccoli‚ cauliflower and cabbage in the province. The 800-hectare farm was established by Carl’s father about 55 years ago.
Local councillor Mbangiseni Yengwa said members of the community set logs on fire after learning that the farmer was planning to grade a graveyard where their family members were buried.
"People are very angry about this. They have burnt logs and they have even tried to burn the farmer's house.
"The local inkosi is trying to calm the community‚ but there does not seem to be a solution. According to tradition‚ you cannot interfere with a gravesite. It's just disrespectful‚" he said.
Yengwa said tension between the farmer and the community had been brewing for some time. "There is a long list of issues. He is supposed to meet with the inkosi this morning.
"I think what angered the community is seeing the graders. He was planning to plough the land to grow mielies."
Gathmann said he would issue a statement at a later stage about the cause of the protest.