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Agriculture

Less farm attacks in FS this year

───   SABRINA DEAN 15:19 Thu, 15 Dec 2016

Less farm attacks in FS this year | News Article
Photo: Gallo Images

Bloemfontein - Although there is good news that the number of Farm Attacks in the Free State have gone down when compared to 2015, the farming community is being urged not to let their guard down this festive season.


According to the Free State Agriculture/VKB Safety Desk there were 57 attacks and seven murders in the province From January up to December 14. For the same period last year, the figure was at 66 attacks, of which 11 were murders.

FSA’s Safety and Security Committee Chairperson, Tommie Esterhuyse, says they believe the improvement is due to involvement of farming communities and good working relations with police:

“Something that definitely contributes to the decrease is good cooperation and good relationships (between farmers and police). We strive for good relations between police and farmers, from both sides.

“This is somewhere that Free State Agriculture puts in a lot of work. We host many safety summits and special safety meetings, as well as attending these meetings with police, so as to address problems.”

He is urging rural residents to stay safe over the Festive season:

“As we head into the festive season, I would really like to urge people to ensure they have a cell phone hidden somewhere in the house. In the event that you become a victim of a farm attack you need to ensure you will have access to some form of communication.

“Also, please ensure your access control is in place, as well as other key control measures, over the Festive season.”

The full statement can be found here:


- OFM News

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