RURAL SAFETY: A DISTURBING START TO 2015
The recent spate of farm murders served as a shocking and disturbing start to 2015, causing immeasurable grief and anguish for many families and communities. Agri SA extends its condolences to the next of kin of these victims.
The widespread incidence of violent crime, especially in agriculture, is indicative of a community where there are serious shortcomings in terms of values such as respect for life and property.
Such criminals, apparently, holds the view that their crimes can remain unpunished. Agri SA believes that the vast majority of South Africans find this situation untenable and look forward to circumstances where their safety and security are not a constant concern.
From the nature of the recent crimes it is apparent that there is no single solution to the problem. For this reason we need both short- and long-term actions to curb this trend and to manage it down to an acceptable level.
Agri SA wishes to thank the police who in most cases already arrested the alleged criminals. And yet, current circumstances confirm the need for a more effective police force who will implement the rural safety strategy with the necessary dedication.