Police ready for stock theft season

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The festive season is a time of great concern when it comes to the safety of South African farmers. Farm attacks and crime on farms generally increase.

In the Karoo, and more specifically Graaff-Reinet and surrounding towns like Middelburg and Cradock stock theft picks up in December. It's harvest time for those who commit robbery and theft to get something for the festive season.

Since November, several attacks and murders on farms have been reported nationwide. There were nine farm murders in the Free State in the last three months of 2020.

There have been three farm murders in the Free State since mid-November. Attacks have also been reported in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. One of the main reasons for the increase is the assumption that farmers have large amounts of cash with them this time of year to pay wages and the like.

Captain Francois Oosthuizen, commander of stock theft and endangered species from Graaff-Reinet, says there is a perception that there is a lot of cash, firearms and tradable goods on every farm.

"Cash is a big problem. Using a digital payment system is the solution, but geographical factors, access to stores, how to get there and the time it takes are some of the major implementation challenges.

He also warns against cash transactions for the purchase of livestock. "Then there is a decrease in vigilance and preparedness - after all, it is holiday time - and then victims are disillusioned and surprised."

Captain Oosthuizen emphasize how important involvement in your immediate environment is during this time. "You can and may not live in isolation. Remember, your neighbour is your nearest source of help. A well-established farm guard system, where volunteers work together to be of service to each other, is crucial".

Rural security works best when there is cooperation between agricultural unions and the key role players.

Capt Oosthuizen also refers to the role of organised agriculture in the fight against farm attacks. "Different agricultural unions must find each other and take a common stand because lives and property are at stake. We cannot refer to it as mere theft. We must not underestimate theft."

Police members of the Graaff-Reinet and Greater Karoo stock theft and endangered species unit got together for a briefing session with Captain Francois Oosthuizen (fourth from the left), Commander of the unit, and to prepare themselves for the stock theft season in December. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys