Stay alert ? TLU SA urges farmers as farm attacks increase

TLU SA is anxious about the increase in farm attacks. We earnestly urge farmers, their families and workers to be alert at all times.

The nine attacks of the last weekend of July confirmed our observation that the marked decrease in violent crimes on farms during the first week of the lockdown was short lived. The first six months of 2020 mirror the same period in 2019.

Apart from the increase in crime, the lockdown also leads to further complications when police stations have to close temporarily after exposure to Covid-19. The public often does not have any alternative numbers for SAPS members at these stations, and they are left to their own devices during attacks.

It’s been some time since TLU SA realised they could not depend on the government to safeguard them. People who live on farms increasingly have to rely on their own abilities and capacity to ensure their safety. The solution lies in personal alertness and readiness.

From the feedback after failed attacks, it is clear that victims who were highly alert and ready, with a weapon on hand, could effectively prevent an attack. The reaction of a well-organised Farm Watch made up of members who know the environment and residents, is invaluable when the reaction time and effective action of the police are limited.

Safety starts with the individual farmer, then the family and workers, and then branches out to neighbours, Farm Watch and the police.

It is crucial to be prepared by doing the following: 

• Keep a weapon for self-defence within reach 
• Have your contingency plan in place 
• Ensure the ability to communicate from the farm is established

TLU SA urgently requests farmers to join local safety structures and always be alert.