Macadamia nut syndicate targets farmer’s shed twice

MBOMBELA – One macadamia nut farmer situated in the Sudwala area was robbed twice in seven days. Farm owner, Estelle Coetzee said last week that thieves had broken into her shed and stolen nuts worth over R100 000.

She said the week before, they had gained access through the sliding door of her shed and stole about 78 crates of macadamia nuts.

J&M Security’s operational manager for farm protection and guarding, Hendrik Botha, said during the last theft, the suspects had cut through a neighbour’s fence to gain entry to the farm.

“That night, cows had walked through to the house and were drinking out of the swimming pool. The dogs were barking at the cows, so they did not pay attention. It could have been a distraction, as while this was happening they broke into the shed.”

The suspects had broken the security gate to gain access and stole 127 crates filled with macadamia nuts. One crate takes approximately 20 kilograms. One kilogram of A grade macadamia nuts on the farmers market is valued at R65.

“When we tracked their trail, we found they had taken the nuts to a secluded location on the farm. This is where they split the load. Half of it was taken that night. The next load they came to fetch early the next morning.”

The theft of macadamia nuts has reached critical proportions, costing the South African economy hundreds of millions annually. Macadamias South Africa’s NCP operations manager, Barry Christie said there have been various attempts to estimate the total tonnage of stolen macadamias. These figures ranged from between 1 000 and 4 000 tons in 2016.

According to a private investigation, many of these nuts they found were exported to Zimbabwe, but some were transported to Mpumalanga where syndicates were buying them. His report stated that a recent survey, conducted by the South African Macadamia Growers’ Association, has resulted in a conservative, estimated figure of 2 120 tons stolen annually, to the value of R146,3 million.

The Provincial Department of Agriculture’s spokesman, Bheki Nyathikazi condemned the criminal elements as they did not only affect the commercial and emerging farmers, but were also causing a dent in the province’s gross domestic product.

“Harsh steps need to be taken against perpetrators to bring a stop to these criminal acts and syndicates.”