This was according to Free State Agriculture’s law and order committee chairperson Bernard Maree. He called on the SAPS to act pro-actively to prevent crimes on farms.
“Although we are grateful for the SAPS support, we believe that both the SAPS and local communities have to be more pro-active when it comes to crime on farms. It is vitally important that farming communities implement and maintain safety plans in conjunction with the SAPS,” said Maree.
He said farm safety was first and foremost the responsibility of the farmer and/or landowner. In order to uphold safety and security, all suspect incidents such as the poisoning of dogs, breaking and entering and trespassing should be reported to the SAPS timeously and without exception.
“This will go a long way in preventing rural criminality. All indications are that farm violence can be expected to increase in the near future. It is therefore crucial that farmers, their families and their workers remain on high alert and vigilant.”
During the past three months three farm attacks occurred in the Free State’s Thabo Mofutsanyane district around Bethlehem, while two occurred in the Motheo district between Bloemfontein and Lady Brand. Seven suspects have been apprehended so far
