Farm attacks in the country are currently increasing by leaps and bounds, and more often than not the media is blamed for some of these incidents not making it into the headlines.

The public should consider that, at the rate crime is snowballing in South Africa, it is impossible to report on each and every incident.

Africa InTouch News will however, starting today, post the monthly farm attack statistics as received from the Rome Research Institute of SA.

It should keep everyone informed of what's really happening as far as farm attacks are concerned, as people often try to refresh “old” news by sharing the latter on social platforms such as Facebook.

As far as our knowledge goes, this information is factual, true and correct.
We have obtained permission to take screenshots of these statistics in order to share it with the public.

* Except for our subeditor, Lynette Brink, who edits these reports, the facts are cited verbatim.
* Africa InTouch News takes no responsibility for incorrect information as provided by the ROME RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SA.

Report on farm attacks : July 2018 - September 2018 (Rome Research Institute of South Africa N.G.O Nr 2013/034937/08)
According to a report dated July 2018 - September 2018, farm attacks in the country have shown a dramatic increase.
During this period the number of incidents have increased by 24 attacks to 108, compared to the 84 in the same period last year. In July this year, 40 attacks have been recorded compared to the 29 in July 2017; 35 in August 2018 compared to 28 in August 2017; and 33 in September of this year compared to the 27 during September 2017.
Although attacks take place on any day of the week, they are more frequent on Wednesdays and Fridays. The statistics for these days are, however, not significantly higher when compared to those recorded on the other days of the week, and therefore it cannot be concluded that these two days are preferred by assailants. Reports do not indicate a set pattern for attacks at this stage.
Incidents take place mostly at night, between 18:00 and 05:00. Most of the victims of attacks in 2017 were single persons. From July to September 2018 there was an increase in attacks on couples/two people. (72%). Assailants target their victims when they are relaxing at home. A lack of security measures, such as doors which are being left open, make it easier for intruders to gain access.
During this reporting period most incidents took place in Pretoria (8 attacks.) Brits is second on 7, Cullinan third on 5 and Rustenburg fourth on 4. A total of 10 of these attacks took place on smallholdings as the latter are favoured as targets. A possible reason could be that these smallholdings are located closer to informal settlements, making access easier for the perpetrators.
Other areas in which multiple incidents have been recorded include Bokfontein (3) and Witfontein (2).
The reasons for areas such as Pretoria, Brits, Cullinan and Rustenburg being more prone to attacks need serious investigation, as plans to decrease the number of incidents need to be implemented. Factors such as the effectiveness of patrolling, cooperation among the farming community and demographics versus security manpower, all need to be considered.
Another important factor that needs more investigation is the number of attackers involved in these incidents. The trend seems to be three or four attackers entering the perimeters. Gangs can, however, comprise of more members.
The number of deaths recorded during the period from July to September 2018 stands on 10. Six people lost their lives in July, 2 in August and 2 in September
Items stolen include cellphones, firearms cash and vehicles. Most victims were subjected to brutal assault, after which they were either tied up or shot. Eight of these deaths were due to gunshot wounds.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink