Increase in seed theft from Free State farms

Free State Agriculture (FSA) has expressed concern about the increase in seed theft that has been occurring from farms in the Free State since September 2025.

According to Dr Jane Buys, Safety Risk Analyst, areas that have already been targeted include Reitz, Ventersburg, Viljoenskroon and Wesselsbron. Maize and sunflower seeds worth millions of rands have been stolen from farms and transported by vehicle to certain marketing areas.

“The theft of seed will have an enormous impact on farmers’ farming practices, especially in terms of their yields as well as on food security,” says Jakkals le Roux, chairperson of FSA’s Rural Safety Committee. Farmers are advised to equip their packing and storage areas for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, diesel, and other products with security technology such as lights, cameras and alarms to detect movement, especially after hours, in advance. Farmers are further advised not to leave any large-scale agricultural products or implements on their fields during nighttime hours, which will provide an opportunity for opportunistic criminals to target them and get away with it.

“The run-up to the festive season has already begun and the fact that farmers are busy cultivating their lands raises the possibility that this type of crime could increase. Farmers are therefore requested to be very alert to protect their property and report any suspicious movement to the SAPS,” says le Roux.

FSA will also request the SAPS to actively investigate the incidents that indicate that it is taking place in an organised manner, because there is a market/outlet area for it and because organised groups and syndicates are involved, says Dr Buys. Further requests to Rural Safety Coordinators to hold awareness campaigns will also be launched.