Free State Agriculture (FSA) has urged farmers to remain vigilant following a spate of farm crime incidents, including alleged attempts to poison dogs and steal vehicles and tractors.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
According to Free State Agriculture says the nature and extent of several incidents are concerning, with some appearing to follow a similar modus operandi.
Dr Jane Buys, FSA’s safety risk analyst, said 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 theft. The suspects remain in South African Police Service (SAPS) custody while investigations continue.
Two similar incidents were also reported early on Monday morning in the Tweespruit area. These allegedly involved attempts to poison dogs and steal a vehicle and tractor.
Buys says the similarities between the incidents raise concerns that the same syndicate could be behind several of them.
“According to information, 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,” she said.
Also read: 61 000 goats, 37 000 cattle stolen in livestock crime surge, reveals Stats SA
Broader rural crime pattern
FSA said the latest incidents form part of a broader crime pattern observed in various parts of the Free State. These include illegal hunting with dogs, livestock and grain theft, as well as the theft of copper cables, transformers, solar pumps and solar panels.
In the Bothaville area, 26 undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested after allegedly operating illegal mining activities on a farm.
“Free State Agriculture calls on farming communities to be alert and immediately report any suspicious activities or crime incidents to the SAPS and their local Rural Safety Coordinator,” said Jakkals le Roux, chairperson of FSA’s Rural Safety Committee.
Farmers are encouraged to report crime incidents at monthly safety meetings, request local crime-prevention actions and operations with SAPS, and actively participate in local safety and patrol initiatives. They should also report all incidents to FSA representatives so that these can be followed up with relevant district and provincial structures and the necessary resources 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,” Le Roux said.
Also read: Police give update on plan to combat rural crime
Investing in rural safety
Against the backdrop of rising rural crime concerns, FSA said it remains committed to supporting practical safety initiatives in farming communities.
The organisation’s annual Golf Day, scheduled for 18 September at the Ladybrand Sports Club, raises funds for safety training and initiatives in rural communities. The funds help equip communities with the knowledge and skills to identify risks, prepare for potential threats and respond effectively to safety challenges.
FSA said the event contributes to its broader focus on creating safer and more resilient farming communities.
Also read:
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