Festive-season safety guidelines for farms and farmers

As the festive season approaches, crime trends in the Free State — including farm attacks and other property-related offences — show signs of increasing. Free State Agriculture (FSA) urges all farmers to critically evaluate their security networks using the farmer safety checklist, which focuses on five key areas:

1. Effective communication
2. Security in and around the home
3. Relationships with workers and farm residents (access control)
4. Information sharing and involvement in your area
5. Participation in a local Contingency and Safety Plan

Where gaps exist, farmers are encouraged to take immediate action. Here is a summary of essential safety tips to strengthen preparedness, awareness, and observation during this high-risk period.

1. Strengthen Communication Systems

• Ensure you have reliable radio communication; stay connected to your local radio network and test radios regularly.
• Join WhatsApp safety groups and make use of technology such as alarms and camera systems.
• Keep an additional, fully charged cellphone with tracking enabled in a strategic location inside the home.

2. Improve Access Control

• Display AgriSA’s Protocol signage restricting access to your farm.
• Where possible, install remote-controlled gates and clear shrubs or bushes near the home that could serve as hiding spots.
• Require clear identification from strangers before engaging with them; do not open doors or gates prematurely.
• Prevent loitering by unemployed or unknown individuals on your property.

3. Secure the Home Environment

• Install proper security gates, strong locks, and burglar bars; keep security gates locked at all times and practice strict key control.
• When arriving home, inspect the surroundings and observe your dogs’ behaviour.
• Lock away tools such as axes, spades, crowbars, and ladders.

4. Build Strong Relationships With Workers and Residents

• Encourage workers and residents to report suspicious persons or vehicles immediately.
• Keep accurate records of workers and residents, including profiles and criminal-record checks.
• Do not employ or trade with illegal immigrants, and avoid handling unnecessary cash.

5. Engage in Area Safety Structures

• Participate actively in local safety structures involving SAPS, neighbouring farmers, and other stakeholders. Attend monthly meetings and join white/blue-light patrols.
• Connect with Farm Watch groups and accredited control rooms where private security partners are involved.
• Regularly practise your farm’s internal contingency or safety plan.
• Keep emergency numbers — neighbours, SAPS, coordinators — easily accessible.
• At the first sign of trouble, activate your area’s Safety Plan without delay.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Prepared

Free State Agriculture encourages all farmers to take proactive steps during this period. Increased awareness, strong networks, and prompt action remain the most effective tools in preventing crime and protecting our farming communities.

If you need assistance or guidance on strengthening your farm’s safety plan, please contact our Safety Desk. Stay safe this festive season.