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Stealing a loaf of bread might be considered a crime of need, but according to Free State Agriculture, the large-scale theft of maize is simply a crime of greed.

According to Dr Jane Buys, Free State Agriculture’s (FSA) safety risk analyst, highly organised crime syndicates are stealing massive amounts of maize in the Free State, resulting in severe losses for maize producers so far this year.

Describing maize theft as a crime of greed, Buys told Farmer’s Weekly that thousands of maize cobs had been stolen so far in the 2024 maize production season, with the districts of Allanridge, Odendaalsrus and Wolwehoek near Sasolburg particularly hard hit.

The problem has become so severe that some farmers are forced to spend as much as R200,000 a month on security guards to patrol their fields.

According to Rudi Jansen van Vuuren, FSA safety representative, even the presence of security guards is not helping curb the crime.

“We are extremely worried about the fact that the suspects are operating in increasingly bigger groups. We’ve come across cases where taxis drop off five groups of between eight and 15 people in one area, and pick them up after the crime has been committed. The criminals simply overpower the security guards and rob them of their equipment. The guards are often assaulted as well,” he added.

According to Dr Buys, this crime has a direct impact on the overheads of a maize production concern.

“Don’t be mistaken, the robbers are extremely well organised and have access to very lucrative markets for the stolen maize. This is not limited to dried maize, but maize on the cob as well.”

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that producers farming on the border between the Free State and Lesotho, in areas such as Fouriesburg, are increasingly targeted by maize thieves from that country crossing the border to steal maize.

“The impact and extent of this type of crime in the area indicates that it is taking place in an organised manner and that it should be classified as an organised crime.”

Dr Buys emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the farming community, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to address the organised nature of the crime effectively.

She suggested that the scale and impact of the thefts warrant classification as organised crime, requiring comprehensive investigation and intervention. “Free State Agriculture commits to facilitating discussions and interventions to tackle the issue, recognising the importance of coordinated action involving relevant stakeholders.

“By working together, the hope is to implement strategies that mitigate the theft of maize and ensure the safety and security of farmers in the Free State province,” she said.

This type of theft is costing the South African handling and storage industry dearly. The impact of the different forms of grain theft, especially theft of dry harvested maize on-site and while being transported, are resulting in additional costs for the industry, and by extension, the consumer.

[source:farmersweekly]