Latest crime report

January September 2000

Farm Attacks : 600
Farms Murders :100

January 1991 September 2000

Farms Attacks : 5 200
Farm Murders : 1006

It is the first time farmers as a group are at the top of those murdered in South Africa whereas in the past it was the members of the SAPS. As a group, 274 farmers per 100 00 of the population are murdered each year. This is the highest figure for any group, followed by the SAPS of whom 153 are murdered per 100 000 of the population.

Agri SA Against Crime

The grave levels of crime in the rural areas make it imperative for Agri South Africa to provide a quick service as well as up-to-date information to its members.

Even farmers in the remote rural areas or professional person in developing technological surroundings can, through these pages, gain immediate access to crime information that impacts on the rural environs. This space not only constitutes a source of information but is also a communications channel between the farmer at ground level (or is also a communications channel between the farmer at ground level (or other user) with Agri SA. We will also place a service at the farmer's disposal through which the services of selected security companies will be made available to him.

A unique service is provided which will make it possible for every farmer to pass reports on criminal deeds direct to his local SAPD or commando, so that there can be immediate reaction at local level to incidents.

Join forces and help Agri SA to build up a data base of crime cases in rural areas. This is necessary for prevention planning.

It also serves as an easily accessible information source for obtaining general information on crime, as well as gaining information from various security structures involved with agriculture. 

Help us stop the crime wave in Rural Areas!

If you have information leading to the arrest of a suspect, the SAPS offers a reward.

Information can be passed on to the investigation officer assigned to the relevant case, or the following persons :

i Kobus Visser (SAAU) E-mail:

i Supt. JC Strause (SAPS) E-mail:  

Always furnish the mas number when passing on information.

Good security habits to cultivate

Aim

• The time has come for the farmer to make a re-appraisal of firearm needs. Is it really necessary to possess 10 firearms? Is the safe of good quality?
• Keep the minimum amount of money at hand. At this stage robberies/attacks take place to get hold of money, vehicles and firearms.
• Be alert. Notice extra-ordinary things, things out of place, such as strangers and strange vehicles.
• Do not stand in doorways with light behind you. Do not stand in front of windows when closing curtains.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
• Stand by your rights as owner of a farm or small holding. Strangers entering the farms and small holding or visiting labourers should first obtain your permission.
• Do not allow anybody on your farmyard or in your house without having properly identified him, especially at night. Do not open doors in the middle of the night when requested to do so. Be particularly cautious of traps.
• Do not stop suspicious-looking persons or vehicles. Instead, unobtrusively note all particulars and report them as soon as possible to all the local SAPS Station.
• All implements which could potentially by used as weapons (eg spades, picks, axes, ect.), should be kept locked away when not in use.
• Remove keys from all vehicles not being used.
• Use your knowledge of the area to withdraw quickly to shelter, should it be necessary.
• When you leave the house, make it a habit to inform your family about your destination, the route you intend taking, and when you expect to be back.
• Test your telephone regularly to ensure it is in working order.
• Have your telephone installed in such a place that it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house, and so that it is not vulnerable to gunfire directed at or through windows.
• Report any indication of criminal presence or activities immediately and comprehensively to your local security headquarters.
• In the event of you being attacked at night, immediately switch off all interior lights. A single switch that control all interior is desirable.
• Keep tight control over your keys in order to prevent theft or duplication. (Dont attach labels to keys which identify which lock they fit - use code numbers instead.)
• Always keep a torch close at hand at night.
• Use a torch in such a way that it doesnt disclose your position.
• Take conscious precautions against the theft of fuel.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Make it a habit not to go to sleep immediately after switching off the light. Remain awake and alert for a while.
• Dont sleep in a place where you are visible from outside. Sleep with a dog in the room.
• Ensure that inflammable liquids are not stored in bedroom or living room.
• Secure the house first before letting your family enter.

Act security conscious

• Dont stand in front of windows when opening and closing curtains. Move with the curtain, so as not to present yourself as a target.
• Be continually alert and observant.
• Be always on the lookout, especially in the veld, for suspicious movement, or anything out of the ordinary.
• Dont drink to such an extant that your senses become dulled.
• Keep a regular check on watchdogs.
• Regularly check and upgrade the effectiveness of your security measures.
• Be in the habit of not just looking, but also noting detail.

Indications of potential criminal activity

• Unknown persons present in , or strolling about, the area without apparent reason.
• Strange vehicles making use of farm roads or even camping in the area. Look out for strange tracks or footprints.
• Deviations from the norm in the behaviour of employees (eg. unusual aggression of defiance, or else unusual reservedness, fear or negativity).
• The unexplained death of a watchdog. Cause of death must be determined beyond doubt.
• Restlessness in animals, game and even poultry can be a reliable indicator of the presence of intruders/strangers.
• Be on the lookout for evidence of the presence of intruders, eg empty bottles or tins, paper remnants. torn-off buttons, torn-off material, foot\-or shoe-prints, burn-out fires at apparent camping-sites, water holes in river beds, remnant of meals, cigarette-butts, empty boxes, excrement, string, ect.
• The theft of food, fuel, livestock, game, ect.
• Abnormally high consumption or purchase of foodstuffs by employees.
• Strangers visiting your premises for apparently good reason and then trying to make unnoticed observations.
• Change in the behaviour of employees after hiring of a new employee.

Physical early-warning methods

• The very basic security measure should be in place at the farmhouse or home. Burglar bars, steel gates and a siren are the bare minimum that should be in place. Fencing and outer perimeter gates should augment the other security measures. Animals could also play an important role. We however need to install a culture of security alertness. People in rural areas should know that they will be under constant threat. The minimum security precautions will have to be taken.
• Good communication is one of the bare necessities. This means inter alia between the farmer, the police, commandos, fellow farmers and workers. Sound labour relations play and important role in the overall safety plan. As the cutting of telephone wires is a general phenomena, cell phones should be utilised on a lager scale where possible. The National Emergency area Radio system should be utilised.
• A fence around the house, especially when empty tins, pieces of metal or bells are attached to it to create a noise when would-be intruders attempt to break or climb over it. Remember that gates must be locked.
• Alarm. A simple, non-electrical alarm system can be installed in the house by yourself. Think in terms of the strings with tins attached as warning devices at doors and windows, and many other ingenious ideas. Check alarm systems to ensure that they succeed in waking you, especially shortly after falling asleep. Dogs and geese remain a good early-warning system. Siren/alarm on the roof. A simple siren/alarm can be installed on the roof of your house with, say three switches at different, easily-accessible places within the house. Such a siren can have a detrimental psychological effect on an intruder/attacker. It also informs other people on the farm and small holding of trouble at the farmhouse.
• Burglar bars, doors, windows.
• Safety chains and peep holes in the doors. Apply key discipline. Dont attach labels to keys which identify which lock they fit - use code numbers instead.
• Fit effective locks or devices.
• Strengthen doors, windows.
• Lighting if available. Maximum light outside, minimum inside.
• Create obstacles, such as fences, without restricting view.
• Maintain and repair defensive measures.
• Clear area. Place gravel around building. Gravel covering the ground in the farmyard prevents people from prowling around in silence.
• Keep a complete first aid box and know how to use it.

Drills

Fire

Precaution
Have extinguishers in the house, blankets, water, buckets.
Do not store flammable liquids in living or sleeping area.
Extinguish flames properly before going to sleep or leaving the house.
First person to detect gives the alarm.
Husband tries to extinguish flames and close windows and doors.
Wife gathers children takes them away from the fire. Older children to assist.
Children assist with animals.
If possible remove valuables such as important documents etc.
Eldest child goes for help from neighbours.
Visitors and elders must look after themselves.
If possible a child is designated to phone the police or fire brigade.

You arrive home late

Family stays a good distance from the house.
Father and eldest son secure the house and verify the surrounding area.
Call the family in.
If anything occurs he gives the alarm so that he can get help.

Knock on the door

Find out who it is.
If available use peep hole.
If not sure do not open door. Bar it.
If there is danger give alarm for help.

Assault, Burglar in house or stranger in the house

The person who is the victim must give the alarm.
Do not try and apprehend the person alone. Get help.
If person escapes try to follow until you are in a position to apprehend him/her.
Once overpowered make him immobile. Do not disturb evidence.
Call the SAPS.
If apprehended hand over the suspect. Do not take law into your own hands.

If there is stranger(s) in the area

Ask politely whether you can assist him.
Ask him his name and where he comes from.
If you are still suspicious call for assistance and report him to the Community Leader.
If it is a strange vehicle take the registration down and report direction travelling to Community leader and/or SAPS.

Investigate something Dogs bark, noise etc.

Ensure that the exit is dark.
If carrying a torch do not let it give away where you are.
Move silently.
Do not call out unless absolutely necessary.

Interaction with SAPS/Commando's

Attending of Farmers/Security Service meetings.
Become member of Commandos or Reservist.
Communicate with Station Commissioner.
Become part of the Community Policing Forums.
Interact with members responsible for farm watch/farm patrols.
Partake in joint operations.
Make empty farms available to the SANDF or Police as bases.
Plotting and coding of farms for remains interaction, communication and alertness.
Form part of the rural safety plan and play a significant role in the planning and execution of the plan.

Conclusion

The rural community is under an obligation to be alert at all times. The criminal knows that it will take time for the Police, SANDF, fellow farmers or local community to react.
A security conscious attitude will enhance the deterrence value of the individual, the family and the community as a whole.