Rural Crime: Both Police And Farmers Need To Up Their Game

Despite being continually under the spotlight, rural crime in South Africa continues to plague farmers. Some respond by leaving the sector; others struggle on after having lost property or even loved ones. However, studies show that while the justice system receives much of the blame, farmers should be doing more to secure themselves. Lindi Botha reports.

- Lindi Botha

South Africa’s agriculture sector continues to be threatened by a volatile security situation, with the total costs related to agricultural crime in 2017 estimated at R7,7 billion and a further economic output loss to the South African economy of R18,9 billion.

The Institute for Race Relations (IRR) argues that crime on farms, whether directed at property or people, is a major strategic issue for the agriculture sector.

“Not only does it impose very real costs on a sector that’s under permanent duress, but it’s a major disincentive to choosing a career in farming. If unchecked, this could prove detrimental to the long-term viability of the sector,” says IRR project manager Terence Corrigan.

He adds that farm dwellers face a major threat, with official data showing that between 2012/2013 and 2017/2018 there were 353 farm murders.

“But less remarked on is what that means for South Africa and the farming economy. Concerns about personal safety and the security of one’s assets will drive people away from the industry and dissuade others from entering it. The impact, particularly on smaller operators, will be corrosive over time. With agriculture’s contribution to the overall national value chain accounting for between 10% and 12% of GDP, this is something that South Africa can ill afford.”

NON-REPORTING

But despite the alarming numbers depicted in studies commissioned by organised agriculture, crime continues to flourish, with nearly half of farmers stating that they no longer report the crimes due to inefficiency at police stations.