She was attacked with knives and the suspects fled with her cell phone and bank card. Bulwane told OFM News' Christal-Lize Muller that his visit to Jacobs was important, to among others lift her spirits and show her that government cares about  the safety of farmers and  farm workers. 

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Bulwane says he visited Jacobs who are still not back at her farm and promised her that as soon as she returns to her farm he will visit her again. Jacobs is recovering well and will be back on her feet again.

He says with the national lockdown of 21 days in place for more than a week, the department has not received alarming reports regarding crime in the industry. Bulwane says he agrees with the view that since the lockdown, crime has gone down a bit.  He, however, appeals to farmers to re-group themselves and take part in farm patrols during the night to assist police.

Bulwane's message to the Free State farming community regarding the Covid-19 is to be careful at all times and avoid a situation where the agricultural industry will also be in lockdown, because of non-compliance. He says the nation still needs to eat food. Safety on farms is important and sanitisers need to be used or farm workers need to wash their hands with water and soap for more than 20 seconds. Health masks need to be used where necessary and gloves are also needed. 

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