One of the top priorities of Agri SA is to find solutions to the high incidence of farm attacks which has a negative impact on the agricultural community. We strive to make a noticeable difference with respect to rural safety. By ensuring the farmers’ safety we enable them to produce agricultural products competitively.

The financial contribution of the Agri Securitas Trust Fund to this booklet is proof of our commitment to helping the agricultural community look after their own security.

It is a privilege for Agri SA to be involved closely with the SAPS in this noteworthy initiative which brings valuable information to the whole farming community. Remember: your well-being is of important to us. Together we can make a difference.

Japie Grobler
Chairman: Agri Securitas Trust Fund
President: Agri SA

Introduction by Assistant Commissioner F J Burger

This booklet was created for the sole purpose of enhancing rural safety, specifically the safety of the farming community. The Provincial Operational Coordinating Committee (POCOC) of the Eastern and Western Cape took the initiative to draw up safety guidelines and collect them in a booklet. The National Operational Coordinating Committee (NOCOC) decided to distribute this booklet nationally and, at the same time, to supplement it with contributions from other role-players.

The booklet contains information about the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and organized agriculture. It explains how these organizations are structured and organized to combat attacks on farms. It also discusses the Rural Protection Plan (RPP) and how it is integrated with Operation Akuntus II, a joint operation between the SAPS and the SANDF aimed at improving rural safety.

One of the most important features of this booklet is the safety hints it contains. These safety hints are necessary because the security forces (SAPS and SANDF) identified personal safety and security of the farming community as one of the most neglected areas of the RPP. The safety hints, if properly applied, will greatly contribute to a safer farming community.