Free State Border Farmers Suffer From Intentional Arson

Free State Agriculture (FSA) has expressed concern about the ongoing problem of veld fires on farms along the RSA/Lesotho border, which are being deliberately set by people from Lesotho.

In the past three days alone (14–16 July 2025), seven veld fires have been started within a 20 km radius in the Boesmanskop area (near Wepener and Zastron). The damage is enormous – farmers are losing valuable grazing land, livestock and infrastructure. But it is not just about economic losses; it is about safety and survival. Border farmers face huge losses, trauma and danger every year.

“Border farmers live daily with the fear that their farms and families will be the next target. In 2024, these farmers had to fight 57 fires in just two months – all believed to be maliciously started by Basotho,” says Dr Jane Buys, FSA safety risk analyst.

According to Gerard Jordaan, a farmer from Boesmanskop, there is a misconception among people from Lesotho that the fields should be burned to ensure new, green pastures after the first rains. “They then drive their cattle across the border to graze on South African farms – something that is illegal,” he explains.

Dr Buys confirms that Free State Agriculture has already made an urgent request to the MECs for Agriculture and Community Safety, the Department of Roads and Transport, the SANDF and SAPS to liaise with their counterparts in Lesotho in order to create awareness in towns and settlements on the other side of the border about the lawlessness and consequences of these fires.

“Farmers are spending valuable time trying to put out fires, rather than continuing their farming activities,” adds Dr Buys.

The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the “Working on Fire” team in Vanstadensrus cannot assist border farmers, as the border road is completely impassable. This makes it impossible for emergency vehicles and equipment to reach the affected areas. Dr Buys says this problem was already pointed out to two MECs in 2024 during a visit to the border.

“These fires – and the larger context of border crimes – confirm that border farmers are being abandoned by government and its structures. They must look after their own safety, fight fires, maintain roads and continue to produce food,” says Buys.

Free State Agriculture is making a serious appeal to the Minister of Public Works to give urgent priority to the repair of the border road. “Without access to the border, fires can become uncontrollable and even lead to loss of life,” warns Dr Buys.

In the meantime, Dr Jack Armour, Commercial Manager of FSA, advises all farmers to be on high alert with the approaching wildfire season, and to actively engage with their local fire protection association (FPA).