Actual implementation of National Rural Security Strategy against farm attacks top priority, says AfriForum

The implementation of the National Rural Security Strategy (NRSS) and the focus on improved response times and visible policing is in principle a step in the right direction to combat farm attacks and murders in the country. This is AfriForum’s response to Prof. Firoz Cachalia, the acting Minister of Police, who acknowledged that farm attacks and murders are a serious problem that requires targeted action. According to the civil rights organisation, however, it is of crucial importance that this strategy does not simply exist on paper, but is actually and consistently applied at grassroots level. The reality remains that rural communities are still largely dependent on themselves for their safety, precisely because of the limited capacity and slow response times of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in many areas.

Cachalia’s acknowledgement of the seriousness of farm attacks in the country follows a recent question in parliament about what concrete operational measures the SAPS has implemented to improve response times in rural areas in particular and to strengthen visible policing in farming communities.

“While it is encouraging that the Minister acknowledges the seriousness of farm attacks, no strategy will truly succeed without active cooperation with civilian security structures. Farm watches and neighbourhood watches are already active at grassroots level and serve as the eyes and ears of communities – it is essential that the state joins hands with these structures and recognises them as full partners in rural security,” says Jacques Broodryk, Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety at AfriForum.

The organisation calls on the ministry and the SAPS to:

• further formalise and expand cooperation with civilian security structures;
• recognise existing farm and neighbourhood watches as essential partners in rural security;
• make resources and support available to increase the effectiveness of these structures; and
• ensure that intelligence and information sharing between the SAPS and communities is truly functional.

While the Minister’s recognition of the seriousness of farm attacks is welcomed, it is now time for concrete action that will make a tangible difference in rural security. AfriForum remains committed to cooperation with law enforcement agencies, but will also continue to support communities to protect themselves where the state falls short.