TLU SA and Saai work together for your safety

TLU SA and Saai - considering their newly signed cooperation agreement - have compiled a security working document to help communities with security, because the SAPS is currently unable to effectively protect South Africans from crime.

The document, which is focused on procedures and proposals for community safety, is presented for safety structures in the absence of the SAPS Rural Safety Strategy.

“We are dependent on ourselves for our safety. In collaboration with Saai, we want to empower communities to be effective and proactive when it comes to safety,” says Mr Henry Geldenhuys, TLU SA President.

“The aim is to bring various players together and give everyone access to services. We want to help communities not only curb crime, but also prevent it where possible. We want to help law abiding citizens work together to stop lawlessness. It is better to work together than each on his own.”

The document is only a proposal because every community is unique and has its own challenges.

“Two farmers or two farms are not alike and consequently safety will not be treated the same either. Farm safety is a mindset and intertwined with every imaginable facet of farming. Each farmer must decide how he handles and manages his own and his family’s safety. Our hope is that this document is a starting block for organised community safety,” says Dr Theo de Jager, Chairperson of Saai.

Tips For Safety During The Festive Season

• Safety cannot be delegated, therefore community involvement over the Christmas season is more important than ever, considering the high crime rate it is indispensable.

• The high incidence of contact crime and associated opportunistic criminals make it essential that farmers do not stick to their usual routine at this time. Tighten access control to your property.

• Cash transactions are taboo.

• To identify crime early, the checking of products and the irregular counting of livestock are essential. Despite poor

De Wildt Nuus Advertensies

Voorblad in kleur - R1265.00

Agterblad in kleur - R1125.00

Volblad binne kleur - R950.00

Volblad swart en wit - R 665.00

Halfblad swart en wit - R385.00

Kwartblad swart en wit - R290.00

Agste blad swart en wit - R200.00

Kontak 081 780 0426 service, farmers must report all crime.

• Patrols by farmers and farm guards must now take place at varying times to cover areas and identify suspicious behaviour in time. Criminal elements have a lot of time for reconnaissance and doing homework.

• Safety and security systems, radios and panic buttons must be continuously tested.

• In view of the high levels of load shedding, farmers must ensure that these tools are provided with standby power.

• Make sure you have access to a lawyer who is available at the time, as the courts will soon be in recess for the Christmas period, many lawyers will not be readily available as a result.

• Should you go on holiday over the Christmas period, store firearms legally elsewhere.

• Remember locks can be removed, please do not store ammunition in the same safe as the firearms.

• Continuous preparedness remains the most important aspect of your security plan.

• Every farm needs a contingency plan that must be practiced so that each member of the family knows exactly how they should act in the event of an attack. On a practical level, there must also be a room to which one can flee when an attack threatens. It must be equipped with water, first-aid equipment and means of communication.

• When looking at your security situation, you must think like a criminal. Identify places that are a possible threat and where they can enter. You need to make it as difficult as possible for intruders to get near or into your home.

• Be vigilant and make sure you get to every corner of your farm and always know what is going on. Ensure that there is good cooperation between you and other farmers and maintain good relations with the police and other security structures.

(Issued by: TLU SA)

Enquiries: Mr Henry Geldenhuys, TLU SA President, 083 560 1273