South Africa Faces Ongoing Crisis of Farm Attacks and Murders

A recent episode of the Afrikaans podcast Nuuspod, titled “Plaasaanvalle: Politieke ontkenning blaas beslis vlam aan,” (Farm attacks: Political denial certainly fans the flames,) shed light on the persistent and harrowing issue of farm attacks and murders in South Africa.

The discussion, led by host Izak du Plessis and featuring experts Johan Burger and Johan Booysen, focused on the stark reality of these violent incidents, which have left a profound impact on rural communities, agricultural productivity, and the nation’s food security.

The podcast revealed that farm attacks remain a significant concern, with 32 murders reported last year, though the numbers fluctuate annually. These incidents are not limited to commercial farmers but also affect workers, their families, and even visitors on farms and smallholdings. The experts emphasized the brutality of these attacks, which often involve prolonged violence, including torture and mutilation, leaving survivors with severe physical and psychological trauma. Unlike urban crimes, farm attacks are characterized by their isolated settings, where victims are particularly vulnerable, and perpetrators have more time to execute their plans, often under the cover of careful surveillance.

Johan Burger, a former police official, highlighted the challenges in addressing these crimes, noting that less than 10% of farm attack cases are solved, a figure consistent with other murder cases in South Africa. The lack of a precise definition for farm attacks complicates data collection and response strategies. While a definition was established in the late 1990s by security forces and organized agriculture, it was revised in 2011 and again in 2019 to encompass broader rural violence, diluting the focus on farms specifically. This shift has made it harder to track and address the unique nature of these attacks.

The discussion also underscored the organized nature of farm attacks. Perpetrators often conduct detailed reconnaissance, monitoring farm movements and using technology like cell phones to plan their assaults. Unlike urban robberies, which are typically quick, farm attacks can last hours or even days, with attackers waiting for residents to return, often after church on Sundays, to maximize their haul. This premeditation, coupled with extreme violence, sets farm attacks apart from typical crimes, as perpetrators seek access to safes, weapons, or bank details, often using brutal methods to extract information.

The podcast emphasized the broader impact of these attacks on South Africa’s agricultural sector, which is vital to the nation’s economy and food supply. Farms employ hundreds of thousands and sustain rural communities, making the ripple effects of attacks significant. Victims, constantly looking over their shoulders, live in fear of being the next target, a reality that undermines the livelihoods of those who feed the nation.

While the conversation avoided political motivations, it highlighted the need for a dedicated approach to addressing farm attacks. Burger recalled his time chairing a priority committee in the late 1990s, established under then-President Nelson Mandela, which included police, agricultural organizations, and other stakeholders. This committee treated farm attacks as a national priority, a focus that has since waned. The experts called for renewed efforts, including declaring farm attacks a priority crime to allocate specialized resources and improve investigation outcomes.

The Nuuspod discussion concluded with a sobering reflection on the human toll of farm attacks. The isolation of rural life, combined with the brutality and organized nature of these crimes, creates a unique and urgent challenge. The experts urged for greater awareness and action to protect South Africa’s farmers and rural communities, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the nation’s agricultural heartland.