Poor economy, not race, drives farm attacks

An open door or window allowed criminals access to farmhouses in almost half of the 34 farm attacks in KZN last year.

Releasing their analysis of crimes against farmers for 2016, the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) says the overwhelming conclusion is that socio-economic issues are driving these attacks.

The report also highlights how crucial it is for farmers to be vigilant at all times taking every possible security precaution available to them to protect their households.

Also read: UPDATE: Farm attack in Shakaskraal

Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque said, “In order to fight back we need to learn from the statistics presented in this report by tightening our security even further, working together in our communities and making sure it is a top priority.”

There is no concrete pattern associated with these attacks and the research shows that farmers are vulnerable during the day as well as at night. Of the 34 incidents that took place in 2016, over 60% occurred at night. In 15 of these, perpetrators gained access to the property and the victim/s through an open window or door.

The report also indicates that in only nine of the 34 incidents, security measures were in place.

“We urge all our farmers to use every security measure at their disposal and regularly check that these measures are in working order and have not been tampered with,” said La Marque.

Commenting on motive, La Marque explained: “What is clear from the data in the report and evidence heard in court, is that the reason behind these attacks is not driven by race, politics or land but by socio-economic circumstances that lead to opportunistic crimes.”

“Having said this,” adds La Marque, “we are still extremely concerned about inflammatory and inciting statements made regarding race, politics and land and believe that those behind these irresponsible statements should be brought to account for inciting hatred and fuelling racial tension in an already tense environment.”

Of the 34 farm incidents that took place last year, five of these resulted in seven murders.

“What is clear is that regardless or your racial orientation or whether you live in a city, town or on a farm, you are a potential target.

“Unfortunately the rural nature of farms, where the nearest neighbour is generally some way away, does make farmers even more vulnerable to attacks,” she said.

La Marque commended the SAPS for treating farm attacks as a high priority crime, responding to incidents swiftly and professionally.

“Although we do see the response and reaction from the SAPS, which these priority crimes warrant, we are still concerned about the level of petty crime in farming communities that goes largely unchecked.

“Petty crime is often a sign of something worse to come as perpetrators of these smaller, seemingly inconsequential crimes, not only get away with it but also have an opportunity to return to a property which they are now familiar with, with more than petty theft in mind.

“Farmers need to be vigilant at all times and to look after themselves and those in their community by forging relationships and building trust within their communities,” said La Marque.

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