By Nico van Burick
The network organisation Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai) said that comparisons of data from external stakeholders and that of the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the extent of crime in rural areas show “shocking” discrepancies.
At a recent meeting Saai said these comparisons have once again proven the true extent of crime on farms and in rural areas is seriously underestimated, especially because many of the incidents are not reported to the police.
The comparisons of the data show only 50% of all stock thefts reported by the organised structures are recorded on the police data system. Only 15% of all illegal hunting incidents, especially where dogs were used, are officially registered.
Saai also emphasised that 72 farm attacks and 10 farm murders have already been reported from January to May this year, which is an increase compared to the same period last year.
Leon Lourens, development coordinator of Saai, said the differences in the data indicated that very few crimes in rural areas are being reported. This leads to crime trends being misinterpreted and resources not being allocated where they are needed.
“Saai urgently appeals to all farmers, land users and rural communities to report every crime incident to the SAPS, no matter how small it may seem. This includes farm attacks or murders, illegal hunting with dogs or any other means, stock theft, game theft, poaching, illegal entry onto properties and also the theft of cables, solar panels, water pumps or any equipment essential to farm operations.”
He said there is growing concern about the lack of official case numbers that not only hinders investigations but also undermines the ability of the state to effectively combat crime in rural areas. Crime that does not officially exist, is not investigated or acted upon.
Working with Police to Improve Crime Classifications
He said Saai is currently actively involved with the police in external working groups to ensure the definitions and classifications of rural areas, farm attacks and related crimes are complete and inclusive.
A comprehensive document has been submitted to the police, among other things, indicating what should be considered a “rural area” – the inclusion of smallholdings, communally cultivated land, game farms and settlements – as well as determining the correct recognition of the victims, such as farmers, farm workers, residents, visitors and service providers.
The importance of economic sabotage, infrastructure destruction and theft as an element of farm crime has also been emphasised.
Lourens said this contribution is an attempt to make the statistics, as well as prioritisation and allocation of resources at ground level, more realistic and purposeful.
Saai will continue to prioritise this in partnership with other stakeholders in agriculture.
“The organisation sees it as a core responsibility to assist farmers and rural communities in their right to safety, justice and sustainable food production,” he said.
