A bloody third quarter: Farm attacks increase by 21%
15 November 2023
The third quarter of 2023 was an extremely bloody three months in terms of farm attacks. An increase of 21% was recorded in this quarter, compared to the second quarter of 2023. AfriForum’s Community Safety Division documented 88 farm attacks, including 13 farm murders, for the period from July to September 2023. In the second quarter (April to June) of 2023, 73 farm attacks, including 23 murders, were recorded.
According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum Spokesperson for Community Safety, the third quarter has seen the highest number of recorded farm attacks for the year. If this trend continues into the fourth quarter, the number of attacks can be expected to continue to increase.
In the third quarter of 2023, an average of approximately 6,7 farm attacks were recorded per week – this amounts to nearly one farm attack per day. The data also shows that an average of at least 2,33 attackers were involved per incident in this period, while there were at least 127 victims. The elderly are also clearly the biggest target when it comes to farm attacks, with the vast majority of victims being older than 60 years.
Broodryk maintains that if farm attacks are an indication of crime levels in general, more bad news can be expected on Friday when the South African Police Service (SAPS) releases the official crime statistics for the third quarter of 2023. According to Broodryk, the expansion of community safety structures is therefore now imperative. Furthermore, well-trained members that apply security measures within the framework of the law are a requirement in these structures.
“Lately we have seen the contribution that well-organised community safety structures can make in the fight against crime. For example, in September this year, AfriForum’s Potgietersrus neighbourhood watch, in partnership with other security organisations, helped to apprehend four suspects who were allegedly involved in a farm attack in the Mokopane area,” Broodryk explains.
AfriForum will continue to pressure the government regarding their wavering commitment to rural safety. The organisation will also continue to prioritise the provision of training, equipment and support to communities and victims of farm attacks through AfriForum’s fast-growing network of 169 community neighbourhood and farm watches.
Visit https://onteiening.co.za/beveilig-n-plaas/ for more information.
Issued by Jacques Broodryk, Spokesperson: Community Safety, AfriForum, 15 November 2023
