Theoretical Perspective on Farm Attacks in the South African Farming Community

• NCJ Number: 209703
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 115-125
• Author(s): H. Strydom; S. C. Schutte
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided HTML link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select “Table of Contents”; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; 5) click on the “full text” icon.

Annotation

This article offers a theoretical explanation of farm attacks in the South African farming community.

Abstract

Attacks and murders on isolated farming families have increased at a rate higher than other forms of crime in South Africa. The forms farm attacks typically take in South Africa are identified as detainment, armed robbery, violent attacks, murder, and vehicle hijacking; each is discussed in turn. Characteristics of these attacks are analyzed and include calculated military precision, the presence of strangers in the area, attacks on both White and Black farmers, and gang activity to name a few. Next, the authors explore the motives and consequences of farm attacks. Motives are cited as the presence of a culture of violence in South Africa; high rates of poverty, unemployment, and hardship; retaliation, hatred, and negative working relationships; illegal immigrants; availability of firearms; political motives; land claims; intimidation; and frustration. The consequences of farm attacks include economic, political, and psychosocial consequences for the farming families as well as farming communities and South African society as a whole. Bibliography