After numerous requests by the FF Plus, Vusi Shongwe, Mpumalanga MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, said that a meeting with the top structures of the police in Mpumalanga will be convened to discuss strategies to prevent the theft of crops, like avocados and macadamia nuts, during the harvest season.
The FF Plus has pointed out many times that the police frequently lack adequate resources to combat this type of crime and that they also lack the will to help farmers and security companies in tackling the serious theft problem.
Farmers suffer great economic losses every year due to the theft of crops. These losses amount to approximately R340 million annually. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that crime syndicates are aware of the police’s shortcomings as well as the value of these products.
Police stations must be evaluated for the allocation of resources and where necessary, upgrades must be done so that they have the resources needed to support Mpumalanga farmers.
The FF Plus will remain in contact with the MEC to ensure that he acts on his undertaking and to see to it that the planned meetings do indeed take place.
These meetings should involve agricultural unions and other stakeholders as well.
Read the original article in Afrikaans by Werner Weber on FF Plus
