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The DA in the Northern Cape has expressed concerns about policing in the rural areas, including farms.
This comes after the arrest of four suspects in connection with the murder of 81-year-old Kuruman farmer Hendrik Venter. Venter was found dead with wounds on his head near his farm on 27 September.
Apparently, he was attacked when he went to his farm to pay his employees.
Following his murder the police activated a 72- hour action plan to look for suspects. They were joined by farm security organisations and Kuruman Neighbourhood Watch. This led to the arrest of four suspects in Hotazel but two suspects aged 18 and 20 were later released.
Orabile Vincent Motsewakgosi (24) and Kabelo Tata (26) are expected to apply for bail on Friday, 4 October 2024.
In her statement, Democratic Alliance member of Parliament, Lisa Schickerling said they will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police and request that the committee urgently investigate the status and effectiveness of SAPS’ current reservist policy.
Schickerling said they will also demand the urgent establishment of sufficient Rural Safety Units in all parts of the country.
Schickerling commended the work of local safety organisations and police.
“This collaboration highlighted the importance of the urgent establishment of well-functioning Rural Safety Units with dedicated detective support within SAPS throughout the country and not only in specific areas. Furthermore, it is essential for the Stock Theft Units that continue to lack sufficient capacity to be capacitated with experienced personnel and relevant equipment.
Reservists are critical in stabilising vast rural areas, where permanent police members and equipment such as vehicles are often spread too thin. They can play a vital role in bridging the gaps and providing more security for rural communities. All of these actions are required not only to react to crimes in rural areas after being committed but also to pro-actively assist in preventing these heinous crimes from occurring,” she said.
According to Schickerling in 2011/12, there were 52,054 SAPS reservists across the country, but by 2021/22, that number had dropped to just 4,393. By November 2023, it had fallen even further to only 3,502.
She explained that this drastic decline, including a 63% drop in one financial year, has left a dangerous vacuum in rural policing that must be addressed urgently.
Meanwhile, Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the members for their swift response and perseverance which led to the arrest of the perpetrators.
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