DURBAN - THE DA has called for the SAPS to deploy a specialised police task team to deal with rural crime following another farm attack.
Martin Meyer, MPL and DA KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson on agriculture and rural development, said the party was concerned about the increasing number of farm attacks.
“The most recent attack, which took place last night (Tuesday) in Middelrus – between Greytown and Mooi River – saw an elderly woman attacked with a panga and robbed. It follows just 24 hours after another farm attack near Estcourt,” he said.
He said crime in KZN’s rural areas was once again on the rise.
He said the negative impact of the severe Covid-19 lockdown, coupled with the July unrest in KZN, has had a devastating effect on food security in South Africa.
“As a nation we cannot afford to see the security of our farms deteriorate any further.
“We call on SAPS to increase its capacity within our rural areas, particularly those identified as hot spots, now and during the holiday season. This must include working closely with security companies, farmers and farmworkers to prevent and fight the scourge of rural crime.
“In addition, we call on SAPS to assign a specialised task force to investigate rural crime, whether it be alleged farm attacks or alleged attacks on farmworkers, so that these crimes can be solved efficiently and speedily. The drawing out of investigations only leads to increased tensions,” he said.
THE MERCURY