For most South Africans, the festive season is a time to rest, but farmers are being urged to stay alert during this period, when rural crime typically increases.

By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

One of the new trends seen this year in the Eastern Cape is that when illegal hunters with dogs are spotted on a farm, members of the group sometimes start a fire elsewhere on the property to distract the farmer and workers so they can escape.

Coert Jordaan, chairperson of the Rural Safety Portfolio of Agri Eastern Cape, warns farmers to take note of this tactic, especially as incidents of illegal dog hunting often rise during the holidays, and the groups involved tend to be larger.

Stock theft also increases at this time of year, and the recent spike in kidnappings in the province has become another serious concern for rural safety. Jordaan says that some of the suspects arrested in connection with kidnappings admitted that they turned to these crimes because it’s easier than committing other violent offences.

Agri Eastern Cape has asked the South African Police Service (SAPS) to include stock theft units in their festive season operations. Over the past two months, police have also been focusing on recovering stolen or illegal firearms.

Jordaan encourages farmers to join organised agricultural safety structures, as many local farmers’ associations have appointed private companies to conduct patrols and assist with security operations.

Stock Theft, Cable Theft and Armed Raids on the Rise

In the Free State, safety organisations are particularly concerned about the increase this year in farm attacks, burglaries and violent stock theft, all of which could worsen during the festive season.

Dr Jane Buys, safety risk analyst for Free State Agriculture (FSA), says that attacks have been on the rise since June. “We hope not to see a spike over the holidays,” she adds.

Incidents of armed livestock raids have become more common, with large groups of attackers targeting farms, such as a recent case near Heilbron.

Also read: Brutal farm attack: 13 suspects quickly arrested

Buys also warns of a rise in copper cable theft and the theft of solar-powered systems used for irrigation, water pumps and troughs. Even Eskom power boxes have been stripped in some areas.

Illegal hunting with dogs remains a persistent problem in the Free State and tends to spike during the festive season. Farmers are warned not to confront poachers alone. In one week earlier this year, police arrested three farmers after illegal hunters lodged assault or firearm-related complaints against them following on-farm confrontations.

Seed theft is also a recurring problem at this time of year.

Safety Tips for Home and Farm

Dr Buys shares these practical safety tips for farmers and their families this festive season:

Do not go outside alone at night if you hear something suspicious. Call your neighbours or workers, or activate your local safety group for assistance.
Secure your home. Make sure all doors and windows have burglar bars or security gates, and keep them closed at night. Simple precautions can make criminals think twice.
Keep your house dark if there is suspect movement outside your house or intruders. You know your home’s layout best and can use that advantage to move to safety.
Keep a small dog inside and larger dogs outside — they serve as early warning systems. If your animals are poisoned, take it seriously and report it to your local police station or safety group immediately, as it may precede an attack.
Be alert for warning signs such as arson, damage to property or threatening messages.
Control your keys. Never leave vehicle keys in the ignition; store them safely and replace locks if keys go missing.
Verify the identity and work history of all new employees, and draw up an employee register with police assistance.
When returning home, pause before entering your property. Look for anything unusual, such as open doors or broken windows.
If possible, have only one entrance and exit to your farmyard to improve access control.
Trim dense trees and shrubs near gates or entrances – they can provide hiding places for criminals.
Develop and practise an emergency plan with your family and workers so everyone knows what to do in case of an attack.
Vary your routine. Criminals often study a farmer’s movements before launching an attack.
Keep a hidden, charged cellphone or tablet somewhere safe so you can call for help if your main phone is taken during an incident.