So much seed has disappeared from farms in the Free State recently, that grain growers have been warned about syndicates possibly operating in the province to steal in bulk and then resell their loot.
Free State Agriculture (FSA) issued a press statement yesterday (Thursday, 7 October) in which its safety risk analyst says recent incidents are starting to show a trend. Dr Jane Buys says three separate incidents happened last week in Bothaville, Reitz and Fouriesburg respectively, and that the stolen seed could only have been transported with a small truck or van and trailer.
“Hundreds of bags of seed are stolen at once, the value of which amounts to thousands of rands,” she says. In an incident that took place in Steynsrus in August, millions of rand worth of seed was stolen. “Once such large losses occur, and where more than one vehicle is involved, it is related to organised crime,” Buys adds. “It would therefore seem as if there are also a variety of criminals involved in this: a driver … carriers of the seed, etc.”
One person was arrested in Bothaville so far and farmers have been warned to be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles or movement on or around their property.
Jakkals le Roux, chairman of FSA’s rural safety committee, says it is starting to look like the northern Free State is being targeted, that the criminals are operating across provincial borders, and that it might even be connected to other crimes that are being investigated.
FSA encourages farmers and surrounding communities to report all cases to the police, so that a trend or pattern and appropriate response can be determined.
Farmers and their communities should also ensure that new employees undergo security screening and that current employees help report possible suspicious movement.
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