Increase in crime incidents on Free State farms raises concern

Free State Agriculture (FSA) is concerned about an increase in crime incidents on farms in various parts of the Free State that have been noted recently.

According to Dr Jane Buys, Safety Risk Analyst of FSA, the nature and extent of the incidents are of concern, as several incidents indicate a similar modus operandi.

Buys points out that a suspect was arrested last week in the Excelsior area after allegedly attempting to poison dogs and steal a Toyota bakkie. In the Hobhouse area, three suspects, believed to be operating from Lesotho, were arrested in connection with tractor thefts. The suspects are being held by the South African Police Service (SAPS) pending further investigation.

According to Buys, two similar incidents also occurred this week (Monday night) during the early morning hours in the Tweespruit area, where there were alleged attempts to poison dogs, as well as to steal a vehicle and tractor.

“The modus operandi indicates that the same syndicate may be involved in several of the incidents. The incidents mainly occur between approximately 23:00 and 02:30, with two to three suspects typically involved.”

In the Bothaville area, 26 undocumented foreigners were also arrested after allegedly operating illegal mining operations on a farm.

Broader crime pattern

Buys says the latest incidents are part of a broader trend observed in various areas of the Free State. These include illegal hunting with dogs, livestock and grain theft, as well as the theft of copper cables, transformers and solar pumps and panels.

Jakkals le Roux, chairperson of the FSA Rural Safety Committee, says: “Free State Agriculture calls on farming communities to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities or crime incidents to the SAPS and their local Rural Safety Coordinator.

Farming communities are further encouraged to:

• report crime incidents during monthly safety meetings;

• request local crime prevention actions and operations with the SAPS;

• actively participate in local safety and patrol actions; and

• also report all crime incidents to Free State Agriculture representatives, so that they can be followed up with the relevant district and provincial structures and the necessary operations and resources can be mobilised.

“The latest incidents once again highlight the importance of collaboration, communication and community engagement in preventing and combating farm attacks and other crimes on the ground,” says le Roux.

Investing in rural safety

Against this backdrop, Free State Agriculture also remains committed to supporting practical safety initiatives in rural communities. The organisation’s annual Golf Day aims to raise funds for safety training and initiatives in rural communities. The funds help to equip communities with the necessary safety knowledge and skills to be more prepared, identify risks and respond effectively to safety threats.

The Golf Day, which takes place on 18 September at the Ladybrand Sports Club, therefore not only provides an opportunity to support rural safety but directly contributes to Free State Agriculture’s broader focus on safer and more resilient farming communities.