Please find attached soundbites in English by Freddy Sonakile (MPL), Afrikaans by Jacky Basson, Candidate Ward 26, Matlosana, and in Setswana by Neo Mabote, Candidate Ward 27, Mahikeng.
- Farm Watches are on the frontline of the fight against rural crime.
- Buhrmannsdrif operation highlights the power of coordinated action, with 13 boxes of suspected drugs reportedly recovered.
- The DA calls for stronger rural safety partnerships to protect farmers, farmworkers and rural communities.
The DA in North West commends the cooperation between the Buhrmannsdrif Farm Watch, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, Crime Intelligence and other role-players following a successful operation in the Buhrmannsdrif area near Mahikeng.
According to information received, the operation on 20 October followed reports of a suspected drug transport vehicle. The driver was reportedly arrested, and 13 boxes of suspected drugs were found. An alleged attempt to offer a bribe was also reported.
The DA welcomes the coordinated response and recognises the contribution of the teams involved in helping to combat crime. This operation highlights the important role that farm watches and community safety structures play when working alongside law enforcement agencies.
Farmers, farmworkers and rural residents deserve to live and work in communities where they feel safe. Crime threatens not only personal safety but also agricultural production, rural livelihoods, investment and job creation.
The DA believes that effective crime prevention requires cooperation between communities, farm watches, private security and law enforcement. These partnerships must be supported by effective policing, reliable communication and a responsive local government that takes community safety seriously.
This approach is aligned with the DA’s 2026 Local Government Manifesto, which commits to strengthening partnerships with SAPS, neighbourhood watches and private security, while improving municipal safety capacity and making greater use of technology to fight crime.
The DA calls for these partnerships to be strengthened throughout North West, particularly in rural areas where distances and limited resources can make responding to crime more challenging.
We thank the Buhrmannsdrif Farm Watch and all the law enforcement personnel and other role players involved for their efforts. Their cooperation demonstrates why community participation and coordinated action are essential in the fight against crime.
The DA will continue to advocate for safer communities, accountable local government and practical measures that protect our farmers, rural residents and livelihoods.