Rural safety serious problem

Crime affecting farming communities in the Free State is a serious problem. This is according to Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Oupa Khoabane. He says production is paralysed when farmers and farm workers are murdered. Khoabane says this can then also lead to tensions between employers and employees. He adds that he has spoken with various stakeholders to find solutions. Free State Agriculture’s (FSA) Rural Safety Committee says there has been an increase in farm attacks in the areas of Clocolan, Ficksburg, Ladybrand and Marquard since March 2017. Statistics indicate that 11 out of the 49 attacks that occurred in the province this year, took place in these areas. - Mark Steenbok