Ian Cameron: 10-Point plan to fight farm attacks

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has drawn up a 10-point plan to deal with farm attacks. In this interview with BizNews, Ian Cameron, the DA spokesperson on Police, says the plan will be submitted to the Minister of Police “and there's a lot of engagement ahead of us regarding rural safety”. The plan includes the establishment of a specialised Rural Safety Unit within SAPS; the strengthening of rural crime intelligence; fixing the criminal justice system with prosecution-led investigations; treating farm murders as targeted, premeditated crimes; declaring farm attacks and stock theft as priority crimes; institutionalising partnerships with local stakeholders; equipping SAPS with forensic tools and skilled investigators; rebuilding trust between police and rural communities; supporting emerging farmers; and opposing Expropriation Without Compensation. “I think what's really positive is the fact that Parliament officially recognises that we've got a problem in rural safety and we shouldn't get distracted by definitions of just what kind or just who specifically always is influenced. The point is, farm attacks have been recognised. Farm murders are recognised. We have a crisis, we need to address it and it's got a significant influence on sustainability in the country.”