DA develops rural safety plan
Sthembiso Ngema of the DA said that December is a time of celebration and to relax after the hard work of the year, saying that the reality is that KZN remains a crime zone.
Ahead of the festive season, the DA in KZN said it has developed a 10-point rural safety plan as the province continues to experience high levels of serious crime.
The DA KZN spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, Sthembiso Ngema said the plan comes in the absence of any form of intervention or solutions from the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Ngema said that December is a time of celebration and to relax after the hard work of the year, saying that the reality is that KZN remains a crime zone.
“It is imperative that KZN’s rural residents also take personal responsibility for their own safety. The DA appeals to farmers and rural communities to ensure that alarm systems are working and to keep in touch with security control rooms. Join community safety structures and ensure communications devices still work in the event of load shedding. Look for any suspicious activity and report detailed information to relevant security structures. Ensure you have a panic button with you at all times and keep family and friends informed of your whereabouts,” he said, adding that it is important to avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Ngema said residents need to keep doors locked and not to stay home alone if possible.
He added: “Ensure that emergency numbers are visible to all household members including neighbours, local SAPS and CPF structures, local security companies and security coordinators. Ensure that your dogs have access to all areas of your property and it is neat and tidy with no places for criminals to hide. Keep outside lights on at night, particularly around gates and other access points and ensure that your livestock is marked.”
Ngema said a common modus operandi by criminals is to approach a farm claiming that their livestock have gone missing there, saying that their primary aim is to assess the farm and look for any security loopholes.
He said farmers need to ensure that they do not allow strangers onto their premises.
“They should also refrain from selling livestock directly and instead sell through agents. Above all, they must remain alert and report any concerns to the rural safety coordinator or SAPS in the area. Our province’s rural communities should not be under siege on a daily basis,” he said.
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