Annette Steyn

Folks, we are starting a new show, “ AgriView with Wandile”, and I hope you will find it valuable. In this week’s episode, we discuss: --  South Africa-US agricultural matters discussed in the White House -- SA-US agricultural trade dynamics --  SA agriculture in the world -- Why was Deputy President Paul Mashatile in France, and how did it affect the farming sector? -- SA agriculture 31 years into democracy You can follow us on all channels; we aim to release weekly episodes every Thursday.

🚨 Throwback: A Rare Use of a Signal Jammer in a Farm Attack I see this picture from 2015 doing the rounds again. I worked with this specific case in Sannieshof, North West, back in 2015. What made this attack stand out was the use of a signal jammer—something highly unusual in farm attacks. While most attacks on farms are well-planned, signal jammers are not commonly used. These devices are far more typical in CIT heists, cigarette freight and truck robberies, and other violent, organized crime heists. The presence of a jammer in this case signaled a higher level of sophistication than usual. 🔴 Brutality Against Both Farmers & Farm Workers The level of violence and torture used against farm workers and farmers in these heinous crimes continues to escalate, with many cases involving beatings, executions, and extreme cruelty. A recent example of such horrific violence is the murder of 62-year-old farmer David Netshilaphala: 📅 Incident Date: 27 February 2025 📍 Location: Xikundu Village On the afternoon of 27 February, 62-year-old small scale farmer, David Netshilaphala went to his kraal to check on his cattle and discovered that three were missing. He was reported missing two days later to Saselamani SAPS. The search for Netshilaphala continued for over a week, until 10 March, when farmers provided key information to the police. Two suspects, aged 21 and 31, were arrested in Shimausa Village and Tiyani Magoro Village under the Hlanganani policing area in Mopani District. 📌 Prof. Rudolf Zinn's Research on Farm Attacks Prof. Rudolf Zinn conducted what I believe to be the most in-depth research on farm attacks in South Africa. His findings, based on interviews with convicted perpetrators, shed light on the methods, motivations, and dynamics behind these crimes: 🔹 1. Criminal Motivation and Target Selection Farm attacks are primarily financially motivated, with criminals targeting farms for cash, firearms, and vehicles. Victims are chosen based on perceived wealth and vulnerability, often through inside information from farmworkers, suppliers, or criminal scouts. Political motivation or cause could only be identified in a very small minority of cases. However, it is important to note that certain political statements and actions create an environment where violent crime in rural communities can flourish. 🔹 2. Planning and Execution Attackers conduct weeks or even months of surveillance before striking. Many attacks involve detailed inside information about the farm’s layout, security systems, and the occupants' routines. Weak security measures—such as poor lighting, lack of alarms, and isolated locations—make farms attractive targets. Robbers typically strike when victims are most vulnerable, usually in the early morning or late at night. 🔹 3. Nature of Violence in Farm Attacks Farm attacks are often marked by extreme and disproportionate violence, including torture, mutilation, and execution-style killings. Attackers use brutality to instill fear, especially when they suspect victims might be armed. Farmers and their families face heightened risks due to slow police response times in rural areas. 🔹 4. Criminal Networks and Repeat Offenders Many perpetrators are repeat offenders with extensive criminal records. Farm attacks are often linked to organized crime groups, where stolen goods and firearms enter larger criminal networks. Collusion between farmworkers and criminals is common, with workers providing critical intelligence about security weaknesses and routines. 🔹 5. Law Enforcement and Prevention Police investigations are often slow and ineffective, partly due to the remoteness of farms and limited forensic resources. Criminals perceive the risk of being caught as low, especially in rural areas where policing is inconsistent. Political and institutional failures contribute to crime in rural communities by fostering lawlessness and weak security responses. Many attacks could be prevented with better security, such as early-warning systems, guard dogs, and active community safety networks. 🔹 6. Recommendations for Farmers and Farm Workers Zinn highlighted several practical steps to improve farm security: ✅ Screening and monitoring individuals that have access to the farm to reduce insider threats. ✅ Enhancing perimeter security with electric fencing, alarms, and surveillance systems. ✅ Strengthening community safety networks, such as neighborhood watch groups and two-way radio communication. ✅ Firearm preparedness, ensuring proper training and legal self-defense strategies. Final Thoughts: Zinn’s research debunked common myths about farm attacks, exposing their planned and organized nature. While political motivation plays a role in only a small minority of cases, certain political rhetoric and actions contribute to an environment where violent crime in rural communities can thrive. The murder of David Netshilaphala is yet another example of the brutality targeting not just farmers, but farm workers as well. The level of violence continues to escalate, and unless decisive action is taken, we will continue to see more devastating cases like this one. Also remember that we cannot compare a farm attack with an urban house robbery/ home invasion or whatever you want to call it, not because one life is worth more than another, but because the ripple effect is different. When someone like David is murdered, chances are many more will not eat the very next morning. With larger scale farmers, entire workforces are left unemployed, traumatized and defenseless. The ripple effect of such an attack is usually significantly different and deep rooted compared to others.

Two CEO's and a DG - thank you DG Ramasodi for your endless support of the citrus industry

I took this photo on the banks of the Mzimvubu River, flowing into the sea, Port St Johns. I thought it would be an excellent intro to my Eastern Cape's agricultural rant for the day.