Recent independent data from the Rural Safety Statistics Group SA shows that farm attacks have increased sharply in 2025, with 143 incidents recorded between January and October compared to 121 during the same period in 2024. This represents an average of 14.3 attacks per month, up from 12.1 last year, Saai said.

Gauteng remains the hardest hit with 32% of all farm attacks, followed by Mpumalanga (15%) and North West (13%), which together account for 60% of incidents nationwide. Limpopo (11%) and the Western Cape (10%) follow close behind.

Farm murders have shown a slight decrease with 16 murders in 2025 compared to 19 in 2024, representing 11% of all farm attacks. Gauteng again records the highest percentage with 31% of murders, followed by the Free State and Eastern Cape at 19% each.

“This delay is more than just an administrative issue. Every day without reliable data is a day where rural communities are forced to plan blind. When farmers don’t know what’s happening in their areas, it becomes nearly impossible to take preventative action or coordinate effectively with local police. The lack of timely information clearly shows that rural safety is not a government priority,” said Leon Lourens, Development Coordinator at Saai.

The SAPS’s failure to release timely crime data weakens Parliament’s oversight role and creates the perception that rural safety simply isn’t on the government’s agenda. The lack of accurate data makes it even harder to allocate resources effectively and respond to areas most at risk, Saai said.

Saai calls on Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and the National Commissioner of SAPS to immediately release the outstanding crime statistics, provide the public with a full explanation for the delay, and ensure that a consistent and transparent release schedule is maintained in future.

As part of its broader mandate to protect family farmers, the organisation continues to work together with community policing forums, farm watches and local rural structures to strengthen safety across the country. These efforts, however, can only succeed if the Government provides reliable and timely information.

Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. They are the foundation of public trust and national stability. Until SAPS consistently releases credible crime information, South Africans and especially those in rural areas will continue to question whether their safety truly matters, Saai concluded.

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The trio, Malesela Albert Mangena (33), Velly Segwale (44), and Lesiba Solly Segwale (44), were convicted of brutally murdering Mr. Nicky Janse Van Rensburg, the owner of Derderkraal farm outside Roedtan, in a violent and planned assault that had left a community traumatized and left the farming community living in fear. Their sentencing – a range of counts from conspiracy to commit murder to unlawful possession of firearms and aggravated robbery – is likewise being thought of as a milestone in holding farm attackers accountable.

The court sentenced life for murder and aggravated robbery, and 10 – 15 years for all other charges. All the sentences run concurrently. The three men have also been banned from possession of firearms.

Warming up to the sentence, Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said:

“This sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who contemplate criminal activity, especially those who live in target-rich environments such as our rural areas. We trust and hope that this sentence will bring closure to the victim’s family. It is also a testament to the diligence and commitment of our detectives, especially Sergeant Mooka and his team.”

Farm murder statistics paint grim picture

Based on AfriForum’s 2024 Farm Attack Report, there were 333 farm attacks and 55 farm murders in South Africa in 2024 alone – a mere drop from the 63 murders that were recorded in 2023, but still very alarming. Limpopo Province, where the Van Rensburg murder took place, was responsible for more than 14% of these incidents, making it one of the provinces most plagued by this scourge.

The Transvaal Agricultural Union of South Africa (TAU SA) reports that more than 1,800 farm-related murders have occurred over the past two decades, with many attacks marked by extreme violence. While some analysts argue that these crimes reflect broader rural insecurity, farming communities regardless of race – have consistently called for stronger protection and policy intervention.

A reaffirmed and targeted commitment by SAPS and government

The convictions of Van Rensburg’s killers for their guilty verdicts are not only being framed as an individual courtroom success but as part of a broader government strategic shift toward the prosecution of violent rural crime. Among the drivers of this increased focus are Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who in recent months has stepped up his assertions on rural safety as a national priority for policing.

In an earlier media briefing, Minister Mchunu acknowledged the historic under-resourcing of rural communities and urged “a decisive and intelligent policing strategy” to protect farmers and rural dwellers from what he termed “systematic and targeted criminality”.

“It is not acceptable that the people who provide sustenance for this country have to live in fear,” Mchunu said during a Rural Safety Imbizo in Mpumalanga in March 2025.

“We are faced with a trend of rural violence that must be broken, dismantled, and defeated – and we are now moving from rhetoric to action.”

In line with this, Mchunu made a multi-pronged proposal to make rural policing more modern and increase visibility in rural agricultural communities. This includes establishment of new Rural Safety Units whose specific function is to protect outlying farms and farm employees; Drone and CCTV monitoring connected to neighborhood policing stations to protect wide, exposed agricultural routes; Requirement for SAPS to partner with community safety forums and private farm watches, boosting intelligence gathering and rapid response and involvement and deployment of 1,500 trained rural safety officers by 2025 end, focusing on firearm competence, local knowledge, and multilingual skills.

Addressing Parliament during his 2025 Budget Vote Speech, Mchunu highlighted that farm murders should be addressed not only as “random acts of violence”, but as crimes which have national economic and social consequences.

“Our farmers – black and white – feed the nation, export our produce, and underpin thousands of rural jobs,” he said.

Their safety is non-negotiable. We lose not only lives when they are lost to violence – we lose livelihoods, stability, and food security. This government will not sit idly by and allow that.”

Mchunu further called for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice to prioritize rural violence cases and appoint senior prosecutors.

His call does appear to have been heeded in the Van Rensburg case, where the concerted, timely action on the part of the detectives and the prosecution yielded tight evidence and a conviction.

The Minister has committed quarterly media attention to farm attack investigations, and he has committed to chairing a National Rural Safety Summit in August 2025, at which stakeholders throughout the nation will review progress and make further recommendations for innovations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, during a May 2025 food security summit, said:

“Farmers are not only landowners – they are the backbone of our agricultural economy. Any danger to their lives is a danger to South Africa’s future. We will not rest until every rural community feels safe.”

Towards a safer countryside for all

This historic conviction is not only justice for the one family but a beacon of hope to thousands who reside in rural South Africa. It sends a strong message: those who victimise farm communities will be brought before the full force of the law.

The case also shows the role of cooperation between community members, dedicated SAPS officers, and the justice system. As a result of sustained pressure from civil society and growing international interest, South Africa appears to be proceeding in a realistic manner towards the resolution of the complex problem of rural and farm crime.

As hunger grips the globe and economic instability remains an affliction upon it, the safety of South Africa’s farmers – black and white, commercial and subsistence – is not merely a national duty but an issue of worldwide urgency.

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The meeting began with a recognition of the pressing concerns raised by the public and various stakeholders in the agricultural sector regarding rural crime. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and farming communities. “The safety of our farmers is not just a rural issue; it is a national issue. We are all interconnected, and the damage caused by stock theft and farm attacks extends far beyond individual families. It impacts food security, jobs, and the economy as a whole,” Steenhuisen remarked, stressing the need for a united front across government and industry sectors.

Steenhuisen also acknowledged the role of private security within the agricultural sector, suggesting that the resources from organised agriculture, such as surveillance systems and farm watch networks, could be better integrated with police efforts. “We have extensive networks within the agricultural sector that could significantly help reduce crime if properly aligned with police operations. What we need is a joint, coordinated approach,” he explained.

On the other hand, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu reinforced the importance of a comprehensive response to rural crime. “We must understand that rural crime is not solely the responsibility of one sector. It requires a whole-of-society approach. We need the cooperation of local law enforcement, agricultural bodies, and the communities themselves,” Mchunu stated. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the shortage of resources within rural police stations, particularly in terms of vehicles and equipment. “We are actively working to address these limitations, collaborating with our supply chain partners to ensure that our officers have the necessary resources to respond effectively,” he added.

Stock Theft and Rural Crime

A central theme of the discussion was the ongoing issue of stock theft, which remains a significant problem for farmers across the country. Ministers and committee members expressed concern over the lack of resources to tackle these crimes, particularly in the face of South Africa’s large rural areas and poor road infrastructure. Minister Steenhuisen highlighted that smaller-scale farmers, especially in regions like the Free State and Northern Cape, are being disproportionately affected.

“In some parts of the country, farmers are losing hundreds of livestock a day. It’s not just a financial setback – it’s a personal one. When small-scale farmers are targeted, it not only affects their livelihood but compromises our country’s food security,” Steenhuisen noted.

The scale of stock theft is staggering, with reported losses running into billions of rands annually. To address this issue, the ministers discussed the potential for improving animal identification systems to combat theft and streamline enforcement. Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that discussions are ongoing to introduce a national animal tracing system, which could significantly help reduce stock theft. “Traceability is key. We need a national animal identification system that works across provinces and borders. This would be a vital tool in tackling stock theft, and we’re working to make it both cost-effective and efficient,” he said.

Police and Community Collaboration

A significant portion of the conversation focused on how the police could better engage with rural communities to both respond more effectively to crime and to prevent it in the first place. Minister Mchunu emphasised the importance of community policing, particularly in rural areas where law enforcement resources are often spread thin. “We must recognise the value of community policing in rural areas. It’s not just about having police officers on the ground; it’s about empowering the communities to play an active role in their own safety,” he remarked.

Committee members agreed that strengthening the relationship between the police and local farm watches, neighbourhood security groups, and rural safety coordinators is crucial for preventing and responding to rural crime. However, concerns were raised about the perceived lack of coordination between the police and these local security groups. Minister Mchunu acknowledged this issue, stating, “We need to ensure there is proper communication and collaboration between private security and police units, especially when it comes to rural safety.”

Improving Infrastructure and Resources

Infrastructure and resource shortages were major concerns throughout the meeting, with committee members highlighting that inadequate road conditions and a shortage of vehicles significantly hindered the ability of police stations in rural areas to respond effectively to crime. Minister Mchunu reassured the committee that the Department of Police is addressing these issues. “We understand that roads in rural areas are often impassable, and this presents a real challenge. However, we are committed to ensuring that our vehicles are well-maintained and ready to serve these communities,” he said.

Additionally, there was a call for enhanced crime intelligence, particularly in relation to the syndicates involved in stock theft. “Stock theft is often part of a larger syndicated operation, and we need to adopt an intelligence-led approach to combat this,” Minister Mchunu stated.

A Holistic Approach to Rural Safety

The meeting concluded with a consensus that rural safety must be addressed holistically, taking into account not only farm attacks and stock theft but also the broader socio-economic factors that contribute to violence in rural areas. Minister Mchunu noted that land rights, security of tenure, and rural development should form part of any comprehensive rural safety strategy. “We need a strategy that addresses not only crime but the underlying causes of violence in rural areas, such as unemployment, poverty, and land disputes. These issues often fuel conflict in these communities,” he said.

While most participants agreed on the need for a unified approach, some committee members raised concerns that the focus on farm attacks could overshadow the broader issue of violence against women and children, which is also a significant problem across the country. Several members emphasised that all forms of crime should be treated equally, regardless of whether the victim is a farmer, a farm worker, or a member of a rural community.

In closing, both Ministers Steenhuisen and Mchunu reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the issues raised during the meeting. They emphasised that the government is working to develop a comprehensive rural safety strategy that addresses the concerns of farmers, law enforcement, and rural communities at large.

Minister Steenhuisen concluded by stating, “This is not just about protecting farmers. It’s about ensuring the safety of everyone living in rural South Africa. We must work together to make our rural areas safer for all.”

Minister Mchunu echoed these remarks, saying, “Collaboration, community involvement, and proper resource allocation are key. Together, we can address these challenges and make a meaningful difference in rural safety.”

The joint committee will reconvene next week to finalise and adopt a report based on the discussions, with the aim of formulating clear recommendations to improve rural safety and bolster police capacity in rural areas.

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