THE Eastern Cape urgently needs to develop measures to curb farm murders in the rural areas and address the rampant stock theft taking place, along with the high rate of crime in these communities.
This is according to Bobby Stevenson, member of parliament and DA Shadow MEC for Safety and Security, who on Monday issued a media statement, raising his concerns about the increasing farm murders and stock thefts.
“It is however encouraging that the MEC for Safety and Liaison, MEC Weziwe Tikana-Gxothiwe, has indicated her support for a rural safety summit, as well support for farm murders to be categorized as priority crimes, in response to my questions on this matter,” said Stevenson.
“The safety of our farmers, both commercial and emerging, is vital if we are intent on preserving livelihoods in our rural communities, and if we are to save one of the critical economic sectors in the province.’’
According to Stevenson, the recently published crime stats have shown stock theft in the Eastern Cape has soared during lockdown, with 5,636 stock with an estimated value of R17,9million stolen in just three months between May and July this year.
“The MEC’s reluctance to classify farm attacks as hate crimes, however, is disheartening as there are specific aspects of farm murders, particularly when they include torture that should classified as a hate crime, as well as when people on social media glorify the torture and murder of these farmers.’’
Stevenson said he is challenging the MEC to follow through on her words, and to arrange a virtual Rural Safety summit in the province as a matter of urgency, where advice and assistance can be given from a wide range of experts.
“All stakeholders need to work together to find innovative solutions to address the scourge of crime that is sweeping through our rural communities,” said Stevenson.
