Roy Jankielsohn, DA Free State Leader, says the party remains concerned about the high crime in the Free State, and especially on the province’s farms.

“Our farmers are national assets that need to provide food for a growing urban population and deserve to be considered an essential service and national assets,” Jankielsohn says.

During a recent visit to the Lesotho border from where cross-border crime in the Free State takes place, the DA found that the level of the Caledon River is currently very low, and that humans and animals move freely back and forth across the river.

“Between Fouriesburg and the Golden Gate National Park, no members of the SAPS or SANDF were visible. Crime along the border of the Eastern Free State causes large-scale economic damage to farmers and the value of farms. Seeds are now also targeted by criminals in the Free State along with livestock, agricultural equipment and vehicles,” says Jankielsohn.

The crime in the countryside affects subsistence, emerging and commercial farmers.

According to the party, the SAPS does not have the necessary resources, such as vehicles or personnel, to carry out visible policing. Furthermore, crime incidents are not visited in a timely manner, which is essential to obtain evidence for successful investigations and prosecutions.

“It has been found that the best deterrent for suspected criminals is the knowledge that if they commit crime they will be detected, successfully prosecuted and punished,” Jankielsohn said. “Due to poor prosecution of criminals, especially with stock theft, and the dysfunctional criminal justice system in South Africa, crime is becoming less reported and criminals in rural areas are becoming more and more confident.”

The primary task of any government, according to the party, is to protect its citizens.

Crime on farms hampers Free State farmers (afrinuus.com)