Vigilance: the best way to prevent farm attacks

Laurence Palmer, an independent security consultant, outlines practical steps that South African farmers and farmworkers can take to avoid becoming victims of farm attacks, and to protect themselves if attacked

- Laurence Palmer

The scourge of attacks and subsequent loss of life faced by the farming community across the country continues unabated.

This is largely because the South African Police Service (SAPS) does not have the manpower or resources to offer protection; instead, it provides mainly reactive policing.

To ensure the safety of farmers and farmworkers requires a proactive approach. Most farm attacks, like criminal acts in general, catch victims by surprise, and they therefore have little or no time to call for help or backup.

The best solution, then, is for farmers to help themselves as a community. To repeat: the critical factor is to be proactive rather than reactive.

DEFINE THE AREA TO BE SAFEGUARDED

As a first step, nominated farmers and role players need to map out a 'security district' and conduct an in-depth risk assessment of the area. As part of this, they should capture the personal details of every resident or worker in the district on a secure, centralised database with off-site backup.

It is extremely important that all farmers in the region participate in the overall project; if some do not, the entire project will be in jeopardy, as these farmers will be the weak links in the chain. It is just as important to involve other support services, such as the SAPS, metro police, civil authorities, established security companies, local businesses, local chiefs and indunas, and union bosses.

FAST FACTS

South Africa has seen an increase in farm attacks over the past few years.

A proactive approach is needed to safeguard farmers, farmworkers and their families.

Community support is important in devising a working strategy.