The rise in crime in rural areas may derail President Jacob Zuma's administration's rural development policy, AgriSA said on Monday.

"If we do not curb the wave of crime in rural areas... the strategy for rural development... is doomed," said Andre Botha, the chairman of AgriSA's rural safety committee.

Rural development was one of the ANC's five priorities in its 2009 election manifesto.

Crimes such as farm attacks, robbery, murder, rape and hijacking were on the rise in rural areas said Botha.

He was speaking after receiving a presentation from the police on safety and security in rural areas.

"It is worrying. The onslaught in rural areas is escalating," he said, adding that over half of the women raped were the wives of farm workers.

Economic sabotage?

Stock theft from April last year to the end of March this year resulted in a net loss of R365-million, even after some stock was recovered.

"No industry in the world can survive with these kinds of stats.

"Crimes in rural areas are economic sabotage," Botha said.

He also condemned politicians who made comments which he described as bordering on hate speech.

Botha did not elaborate on specific examples, but said the comments divided communities.

Some officials made comments that empowered people to break the law, he said, cautioning that these comments may result in farm attacks.

He said AgriSA would consult with national and provincial government to improve the situation.

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