What makes crime on SA's farms unique?

©vasin leenanuruksa via 123RF

“Farmers alone can never be held responsible for combating crime,” said Agri SA president Johannes Möller. “This remains the government’s responsibility. Farmers’ primary task is to produce enough food, a task which requires considerable time from farmers and farmworkers.”

Our farmers are already doing a great deal to ensure their own safety and that of their farm workers and loved ones. They are involved with farmer associations to help implement the Rural Safety Strategy and to form farm guards. They also assist with the implementation of security initiatives by using technology.

Möller said Agri SA last year raised the issue of farm attacks and violence with the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO). “The WFO called on governments worldwide to offer appropriate protection to farming communities,” said Möller.

Emphasis on liaison between agricultural organisations and government

During the first International Rural Crime Conference last week, the emphasis was on liaison between agricultural organisations and the government. Agricultural organisations must liaise constantly with policymakers regarding rural crime and must try to influence them to incorporate workable solutions into policy.

Sound crime intelligence needed

Without sound crime intelligence, it will be impossible to prevent crime. The worldwide trend is that crime is not reported to law enforcers. This is also the trend in South Africa, which hampers the police in allocating resources. For example, if the police do not have case numbers to determine what types of crime are committed in specific areas, they are unable to devise plans to make provision for more vehicles and police officers at the grassroots level.

Task team to investigate

Agri SA’s discussion with Police minister Fikile Mbalula serves as proof that the organisation will continue to draw government’s attention to farm attacks and crime and to search for solutions in this regard. The minister confirmed the importance of farmers and farm workers and undertook to work with agricultural organisations to protect them.

A task team consisting of members of Agri SA and top management of the police will investigate the further implementation of the Rural Safety Strategy and make recommendations to the minister regarding possible improvements. The task team will also look into farm attacks as a strategic focus within the highest security structure of the police.