Farm murders down, but still a tragic loss in the farming community

Tyler Penner via Unsplash

Drastic action needed to put a stop to crime

"Attacks on the farming community and the brutality of these attacks, are unacceptable and have assumed alarming proportions," says Tommie Esterhuyse, chair of AgriSA’s Centre of Excellence: Rural Safety. "Everything possible must be done to protect these communities, who are responsible for food security in South Africa."

Although the farm murder rate is among the lowest recorded in the past few years, it does not mean that the agricultural sector should lessen its vigilance. The trend looks promising, but the reality remains that 47 murders are still 47 too many.

"There have been farm attacks and murders for decades. Drastic action, supported with the necessary political will, is needed to prevent it."

Stock theft has increased

Agri SA applauded the farming communities that had upgraded their security structures and local initiatives, despite the high cost involved.

"Farmers have to rely on private security companies because of a lack of support from local police stations. Partnerships with the private sector have borne fruit and contributed to the success of crime-fighting efforts."

According to the SAPS statistics, stock theft has increased. An Agri SA survey showed that property-related crimes – stock theft and theft of farm infrastructure and implements – have the biggest impact on agriculture, with losses amounting to billions of rand. Stock theft is becoming the target of organised crime and the police should investigate it as such.

"The farming community is reluctant to report incidents of property-related crime because they no longer have confidence in the criminal justice system to ensure the successful prosecution of criminals. In Harrismith and Bethlehem alone, more than 2,700 head of cattle have been stolen in the past 15 months and more than 300 cases have been reported. But only one arrest has been made."

SAPS acknowledged for taking farm attacks seriously

Agri SA, however, acknowledged the SAPS for including farm attacks in the crime statistics. This is an indication of a changed attitude regarding the police and the fact that they recognise the seriousness of this matter. In this regard, Agri SA also welcomed the new revised rural safety strategy that will be released shortly.

"Agri SA was actively involved in the drafting of this revised strategy and hopes that it will lend further momentum to farm security and the protection of the agricultural sector."

The Agri Securitas Trust Fund has since its inception in 1999, assisted in safeguarding thousands of farmers and farmworkers. Agri SA and the Trust Fund will continue to strive for the safety of every farmer, farmworker and farming community.