The arrest of six suspected farm attackers around Mahikeng is commendable and should send a strong message to criminals that farming communities have had enough of farm attacks and are united against crime, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Friday.
“The operation conducted by farmers, farmworkers and police proves just how crucial trust and good relations among farming communities is to the successful implementation of the rural safety plan. Every effort has to be made to prevent farm attacks and to ensure that those feed the nation are safer on farms” stressed Premier Modise.
Modise‘s commend and call for vigilance against crime on farms follows the arrest the suspects, four of whom were arrested two hours after a woman was reportedly overpowered in her farm shop.
According to Beeld newspaper, Kotie du Toit was attacked by four men in balaclavas on Thursday morning.
After taking money from the cash register, they took her back to her home, tied her up and demanded the keys to the safe.
“They held a gun to my head... I prayed out loud the whole time. God was there. One of the robbers stroked my hair and said ‘Sorry, Ouma’.” They left, and after she managed to free herself, Du Toit called for help.
Local security forces were mobilised, along with farmers, herdsmen and local businessmen. “We cordoned off an area of about 500 hectares with vehicles,” local farmer Wynand Buys said.
“Farm workers were dropped off every 50m so they could see each other and spread the word if they spotted the robbers. Herdsmen patrolled the fences.”
Two suspects were spotted when they crossed a road and a farmworker spotted another hiding in the grass.
Eventually all four surrendered to police and, after they were arrested, Du Toit's stolen belongings were found in two bags in the veld.
In a separate incident, farmers caught two thieves in the act in a local farm house last Sunday and they were swiftly arrested by police.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson North West Provincial Government)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: Lkgwele@gmail.com
