Farm Attacks

1. Introduction

Farm attacks are a serious problem in South Africa. The phenomenon has spread widely throughout the provinces. This has left farmers feeling afraid, helpless and unsure of their future. The reality of farm attacks does not only affect the farmer, but also their families, and on a wider scope it affects the whole community. Throughout this article I will define the concept of farm attacks. I will discuss what the characteristics of farm attacks are, what types of attacks are identified, where and why farm attacks take place, what the potential causes for farm attacks are, the profiles of victims and perpetrators, the impact farm attacks have on victims, and finally how farm attacks could be prevented.

2. Defining farm attacks and victims

2.1. Farm attacks

South Africa law does not define farm attacks as a specific crime. Instead the term is used to refer to different crimes committed against people, specifically on farms or smallholdings. These crimes may include housebreakings with intent of robbery, rape, assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, damage to property, arson or murder.

According to the South African police service “Attacks on farms and smallholdings refer to acts aimed at the residents, workers and visitors, with intent to murder, rape, robbery, or inflict bodily harm. In addition, all actions aimed at disrupting farming activities as a commercial concern, whether for motives related to ideology, labour disputes, land issues, revenge, grievances, racist concerns or intimidation should be included.” (htt://www.saps.gov.za)

A farm attack is deliberate, unprovoked, overtly accomplished, attempted or threatened violent behaviour directed at a particular farmer or farmers in general, their families and their possessions. The aids which could be used in the attacks are firearms, knives, axes, brute force, or arson.

2.2. Victims

A victim is “a person who has been attacked, injured or killed as the...