Agri SA said that it supported the South African Police Service’s revised Rural Safety Strategy launched on Friday in Louis Trichardt.
“The strategy highlights once again the urgent need to curb crime in rural and farming areas. If the strategy is implemented with committed dedication by the police, it will be a great success,” said Agri SA’s Tommie Esterhuyse in a statement.
“The urgent implementation of the strategy by all station commanders is necessary,” he said.
Esterhuyse said rampant crime affects not only the farmer but also farmworkers and the rural community.
“The continued attacks on farmers and farmworkers, high level of stock theft and the levels of farm infrastructure destruction, requires an effective strategy to deal with these issues.
He said Agri SA believes that the Rural Safety Strategy is the most appropriate vehicle to deal with these crime issues.
Esterhuyse said they have always had a constructive relationship with the police, especially concerning matters of safety and security and would like to congratulate the police on the development and finalisation of the strategy.
“We believe that it is the only workable strategy with a focus on combatting farm attacks, stock theft and farm infrastructure theft,” he said.
The Rural Safety Strategy can be found on the SAPS website.
