Farmers say some fires were started deliberately
One farmer, who declined to be named, said it could be a way of spreading fear following the publicity surrounding the Government's intention to take land without compensation.
Intentionally started fires and those started accidentally have wreaked havoc in the area over the past week.
Damage to farms in the Helpmekaar, Elandskraal and Pomeroy areas was reported with workers’ homesteads also damaged in the fires.
About 2000 ha of veld was burnt along with bales, pine trees and pine logs. On Sunday night, farmers reported the intentional starting of fires along the Nquthu road.
Farmers and workers assisted in fighting the fires. It is not clear at this stage if anyone has been arrested or what the intention was by starting the blazes.
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One farmer, who declined to be named, said it could be a way of spreading fear following the publicity surrounding the Government’s intention to take land without compensation.
In another fire on the Nquthu road, a fire destroyed a pecan plantation. The farmer believed the fire was ‘definitely deliberate’, The police were informed and were on the scene.
