Free State farmers must become pro-active in the fight against farm attackers – FSA

Free State Agriculture (FSA) called on its members and the community at large to remain calm in the wake of the four farm attacks in the province since the beginning of the year.

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Three people lost their lives in the attacks.

“We would like to assure everybody that we are continuously working on the issue of safety and security,” said Tommie Esterhuyze, FSA Law and Order Committee chairperson. It was unacceptable that rural communities have become soft targets as a result of a lack of respect for people and for life, he said in a statement.

FSA president Dan Kriek said the organisation will continue to intensify its efforts to improve safety in rural areas. Farmers and people living on farms should become pro-active in the ongoing fight against criminals, he said.

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Kriek petitioned safety structures and agriculture associations with safety strategies in place to continuesly revisit these strategies. He said special attention should be paid to soft targets such as the elderly and people living on their own. Plans should be made to include these people in the safety plans and strategies.

To farm is a privilege, but with that privilege comes with responsibility, said Esterhuyze. One of the most important responsibilities on farm level is for farmers and farm dwellers to take responsibility for their own safety.