Avocado farmers in and around Tzaneen say they are operating at a loss due to escalating theft during the current avocado season, reports Letaba Herald.

Farmers report being forced to significantly increase security measures as thieves target orchards, stealing avocados in sacks or loading them onto bakkies before selling them to roadside hawkers.

R400 000 a year on security

One farmer, who spoke to the Herald on condition of anonymity, said he now spends about R400 000 a year on security alone because of the growing problem.

“Theft has increased uncontrollably over the past six years,” the farmer said.

“We are running at a loss. Thousands of rands’ worth of produce is stolen almost every week. The money I spend on security was meant for fertilisers, maintenance and salaries.

“I’m not saying all avocados sold on the roadside are stolen, but the public must wake up and stop supporting these illegal activities.”

13 sacks stolen in Magoebaskloof

The impact of theft was highlighted recently when Canine Security apprehended one suspect out of three after 13 sacks of avocados, each weighing 80kg, were stolen from a farm in Magoebaskloof.

The stolen produce was valued at approximately R20 000. The incident was not the first theft reported on the farm this season.

How the suspects were caught

According to Marius Jacobs of Canine Security, the arrest followed the detection of suspicious activity by surveillance cameras installed at known hotspot areas.

“We were able to track the suspects’ movements to the farm and recover a white double-cab vehicle,” Jacobs said.

He added that in April the company received a tip-off that the intercepted vehicle was distributing stolen avocados to hawkers in and around Tzaneen and that it was linked to a Zimbabwean national.

Other crops also targeted

Canine Security said the problem extends beyond avocados, with farmers producing citrus, nuts, bananas and mangoes facing similar losses.

Industry body weighs in

Derek Donkin of the South African Avocado Growers Association said theft is placing farmers under severe pressure.

He explained that rising input costs, combined with losses from theft, threaten profitability and have a negative impact on potential job creation in the sector.

Suspects still at large

At the time of going to print, the remaining two suspects involved in the Magoebaskloof theft had not yet been apprehended.

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