Time to bring back commando system to combat farm attacks? Crime expert weighs in
Thabo Mbeki announced the disbanding of the commando system in 2003, and the process was completed between 2003 and 2008. They were replaced by specialized police units.
A dirt road in Protem, Western Cape. Picture: Pexels
Lester Kiewit speaks to Dr Johan Burger, an independent crime and policing consultant.
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The issue of farm attacks is once again in the spotlight following comments made by US President Donald Trump that 'terrible things' are happening in South Africa.
Dr Johan Burger has researched attacks on farms and small holdings in the country and says the situation should be recognised as a national crisis.
He says that would mean implementing a strategy or plan that focuses on the specific problem of farm attacks and associated violent crimes.
Much of Burger's research concerns the old commando system, essentially a self-operated security network for farmers.
It was phased out between 2003 and 2008.
"We all knew at the time this was a political decision...the commando system was not a popular concept with the ANC government."
Dr Johan Burger, an independent crime and policing consultant
The ANC had been opposed to the continuation of the commando system, Burger says, partly because of the role the units had played in support of the apartheid system.
But also because the perception was that commandos only represented the security interests of the white farming community.
Burger says that wasn't the case:
"The commando system was part of the defence force and the government took over the defence force...so, the commandos was never completely independent, in charge of themselves."
Dr Johan Burger, an independent crime and policing consultant
Burger says the alternatives that government promised would replace the commando system never materialised.
"What we now have is a system where the farming community are largely dependant on themselves for their own safety."
Dr Johan Burger, an independent crime and policing consultant
Burger suggests that the state has failed to provide effective security for individuals in rural or remote areas after the withdrawal of commandos.