Durban - Farmers know the groups that come on to their properties to attack them and ransack their homes are armed and dangerous.
And with limited arrests, farming families north of Durban, who live on vast swathes of isolated land, have become sitting ducks for criminals.
Many have inherited the properties on which they were raised.
Extra security measures have not deterred the robbers.
A recent march by farming communities to raise awareness of their plight accomplished nothing, said a farmer.
They called on police and the government to step up efforts to protect them - with the hope that their pleas wouldn’t be ignored.
A concerned Hazelmere fruit and vegetable farmer, whose family was attacked twice this year, sat in his lounge with a forlorn look when a POST team visited last week.
Hementh Hurribhujan, who was born and raised on a farm, feels the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Despite having seven guard dogs and a home security system, Hurribhujan, his wife Sherina and children, Diren,23, and Rivashnee, 22, lock themselves in to keep safe.
The family was first attacked in January.
“At around 10am, a group of armed robbers derailed my driveway gate. They fired several shots in the air to scare off my dogs and chased seven workers away. They then forced their way inside, locked us in a bedroom, ransacked our home and fled,” said Hurribhujan.
“They were smart. They knew exactly what they were doing.
“About six months later, while loading our vehicle with produce to take to the Verulam market, a group carrying sticks and bush knives came and began to assault us. One held a knife to my son’s throat and threatened to slit his neck if we did not do as instructed.”
His son, he said, was nevertheless hit with the butt of a gun, while the family was shoved around.
The men wanted the keys to the safe and guns, which the family handed over.
“About 25 years ago, my parents (Harry and Doolari Hurribhujan), were shot and killed on this farm during a robbery. I fear for our lives and don’t know what to do.”
Since the attacks, the family has taken measures to safeguard themselves, but feared their efforts would not suffice.
“We start work later in the morning and finish earlier in the afternoon. We then lock ourselves indoors.”
His business, he said, had taken a knock.
“But what choice do we have?”
He said other farmers had also been attacked and he called for the government to ensure police patrols became a priority.
A farmer, who did not want to be named, said: “Farming is how I make a living. I don’t have any other source of income. These criminals see us as easy targets and are taking advantage. Farmers are coming under attack around the country and the government needs to address this urgently.”
The 52-year-old, who has been farming for more two decades, has also been attacked, tied up and robbed.
“The police take fingerprints and leave. No one is ever arrested and we are left alone to fend for ourselves.”
A third farmer, who also preferred anonymity, said: “Despite having installed a security system, I was robbed three times this year. These criminals still found a way on to my property and into my home.”
The latest incident, he said, was in August.
“Farmers are being murdered almost daily. There was a huge march recently, calling for an end to farm attacks, but nothing came of it. We cannot leave our farms because many of us have nowhere else to go. Those who attack us know our movements. Their attacks are calculated.”
Fearing for their safety, the farmers have formed a WhatsApp group so they can alert each other about strange activities or if they need help.