Following another farm attack, the DA has urged for a specialized police task team to be deployed to rural areas to help fight crime.

According to Martin Meyer, MPL and DA KZN spokesperson, when speaking on agriculture and rural development, has made it known that the party was concerned about the increasing number of farm attacks.

“The most recent attack, which took place last night (Tuesday) in Middelrus – between Greytown and Mooi River – saw an elderly woman attacked with a panga and robbed. It follows just 24 hours after another farm attack near Estcourt,” he said.

He said crime in KZN’s rural areas was once again on the rise.

He said the negative impact of the severe Covid-19 lockdown, coupled with the July unrest in KZN, has had a devastating effect on food security in South Africa.

“As a nation, we cannot afford to see the security of our farms deteriorate any further.

“We call on SAPS to increase its capacity within our rural areas, particularly those identified as hot spots, now and during the holiday season. This must include working closely with security companies, farmers, and farm workers to prevent and fight the scourge of rural crime.

“In addition, we call on SAPS to assign a specialized task force to investigate rural crime, whether it be alleged farm attacks or alleged attacks on farmworkers so that these crimes can be solved efficiently and speedily. The drawing out of investigations only leads to increased tensions,” he said.