"Although certain patterns can be discerned from the material already acquired, the Committee is of the opinion that it would be improper to make provisional findings at this stage.

"At the same time the Committee is of the opinion that, irrespective of what the possible causes of farm attacks might prove to be, the situation is serious enough to warrant certain observations.

"It is a cause of concern that in many cases assailants have been able to execute farm attacks because the security on the farms has been inadequate or in some cases, non-existent.

"The Committee is of the opinion, therefore, that it should not wait until its final report, before urging the farming community to give serious immediate attention to the matter of security. The Committee feels strongly that many potential attacks can be averted by the farming community stepping up security and being alert, thereby saving lives.

"Violent crime has become prevalent throughout our society, including the country's rural areas.

"The Committee is aware of the campaign being conducted by the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force and specifically the National Operating Co-ordinating Committee to make the farming community more safety conscious. That effort should be stepped up. There seems to be a measure of distrust towards the SAPS and SANDF amongst certain sections of the farming community, but they should be encouraged to participate in the structures already available.

"It should be stated however, that the lack of security can never be a cause of farm attacks. The Committee wishes to stress that the above observations are not intended to place the blame for farm attacks at the door of the farming community themselves. A lack of security, may, however, facilitate farm attacks".