Wave of crime hits agriculture industry during lockdown

Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have expressed concern about the increase in theft of agricultural commodities during the lockdown period for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic, which is resulting in millions of rand in losses.

Wave of crime hits agriculture industry during lockdown
According to farmers’ origination there has been an increase in the theft of agricultural commodities, such as livestock and maize, since the beginning to the lockdown period to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Photo: FW Archive
- Advertisement -

Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have expressed concern about the increase in theft of agricultural commodities during the lockdown period for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic, which is resulting in millions of rand in losses.

Tommie Esterhuyse, chairperson of Agri SA’s Centre of Excellence for Rural Safety, told Farmer’s Weekly that there had been an increase in the theft of agricultural produce in particular, such as maize in the Free State, oranges in Limpopo, and grapes in the Western Cape.

He attributed this to a reduction in the movement of farm patrols, brought on by the lockdown, which “created a climate for crime to occur”.

- Advertisement -

“Bakkie loads of produce are being stolen, which gives us an indication that the theft is not due to hunger, but rather [for] trade,” said Esterhuyse.

He estimated that the losses to the industry ran into millions of rand, adding that it placed additional pressure on producers during a difficult time in which they were faced with high input costs and low producer prices.

Livestock theft also increased during the lockdown period, according to National Stock Theft Prevention Forum chairperson, Willie Clack.

“Livestock theft almost doubled in the areas of the northern Free State to the south of Gauteng.”

He added that a particular increase in the theft of cattle during the period had been observed, and that it was not potslagting (slaughtering for consumption), but several incidents suggested the involvement of organised crime syndicates.

According to TAU SA, it was clear that criminals did not heed the lockdown regulations, and farmers were increasingly falling victim to these transgressions.

“What is of further concern is the explicit prohibition by the Minister of Police [Bheki Cele] on farm guards and community policing forums continuing with their regular patrols and crime prevention actions,” said Henk van de Graaf, chairperson of TAU SA’s northern region.

“With the police now focusing on other areas, it means that rural areas are currently unprotected. Criminals know this and are abusing the situation.”

He advised farmers to increase vigilance on their farms.

“The power of farm guards lies in the co-operation between role players, effective communication, covering [other] significant areas than just their own farms, as well as patrolling public roads, which are often used as escape routes.”

Esterhuyse urged farmers to continue carrying out farm patrols and to ensure that they had sufficient security to protect themselves and their produce.

He also called on farmers to report any theft to the police so that there was a record of the frequency and nature of the theft.

Previous articleThe fundamentals of fertility in beef cattle
Next articleOnline sales offer opportunities for farmers post-lockdown
Jeandré Du Preez is the newest addition to the Farmer’s Weekly team. Originating from a Riversdal farming family, she has farming in her blood. After school she furthered her studies at Stellenbosch and has been working as an agricultural journalist for the past two years. She says she feels privileged to write about an industry paramount to the survival of all South Africans and is inspired by the innovative solutions with which the farming community bridges the many challenges they face. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments. If she is not writing or visiting farms, you’ll find her relaxing with a good mystery novel or exploring her other passions: travelling and cooking.