KZN farm attacks, murders lowest in 16 years

Tyler Penner via Unsplash

Dissemination of the data and statistics collected by Kwanalu between 1 January to 31 December 2018 offers farmers and affected stakeholders’ various insights and relevant information. The data in Kwanalu’s report was conducted in commercial farming areas and includes all people who live on commercial farms in these areas.

The report also highlights that in many of the attacks inadequate security measures were in place and that perpetrators were not afraid to attack in daylight hours.

"The safety and security of our members is of the utmost importance to us and a strategic focus area of the organisation. As such, we have a duty to empower farmers with knowledge and fact-based statistics with our annual analysis of farm attacks and murders to ensure our members and associated security stakeholders are fully and correctly informed about the nature and circumstances of crimes that have taken place in farms in the province, so that they are even better prepared," says Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu.

The statistics presented in the 2018 report indicate that one murder took place in the province, involving three attackers who gained access at night but digging underneath an electric fence and breaking a door. No arrest, in this case, has as yet taken place.

There were 24 farm attacks in 2018 in the province with the majority taking place on a Tuesday and a Thursday. Twelve of the 24 attacks took place in the farmhouse, seven of the 24 in the farmyard and five of the 24 on the farm. Weapons used in these 24 attacks are broken down as follows: 14 firearms, four knives/ axe/ bush knives and six "other". The total number of attackers in the 24 cases are calculated at 74 with the primary target indicating firearms and/or cash from wages or stock sales.

The data also reveals that in many incidents inadequate security measures, where security measures were possible, were in place.

An overview of rural crime and prevention devices

Mario van den Heever and WA Lombard  20 Sep 2018

"We urge all farmers to use every security measure at their disposal and to regularly check that these measures are in working order," said La Marque.

Implementing best security-practices

She also encouraged all farmers to join their local farmer/landowner associations to further provide farmers with access to security information and support. Of the 24 farm attacks and 1 murder, only 4 victims were members of Kwanalu.

"A vital role of organised agriculture is that of the safety and security of our members. As a body, we are able to represent farmers on the provincial structures of safety and security, are able to assist with crime follow-ups and assist members with advice on criminal matters and procedures, provide a direct link to the SAPS and provide expert evidence in court, as well as supply members with accurate and tangible information on best security practices," said La Marque

"From this data, we reiterate the need for farmers to remain vigilant at all times and look after themselves and those in their community by the forging of relationships, joining their local farmers’ associations and by building trust within local communities," concluded La Marque.