I cant predict the future, but I can tell you we are taking steps to mitigate future risks. The road next to the outer perimiter is quite long, expect to see three, two man patrols this weekend on that road and we are negotiating an armed patrol to patrol as well, we are working with the local community, and hope these steps will work.
I would just like to put this issue in perspective. Firstly, the lady concerned was not actually attacked, the farm workers on the farm saw the three guys acting suspiciously(particulalry as they should not have been there in the first place) and chased after them before they could actually get to the cyclist. I believe this is as a result of the strong relationship we maintain with the farm management and through them their workforce. Secondly, they pursued the intruders and were able to capture one of the three and hand him over to the police. Thirdly it is common knowledge that this kind of opportunistic criminal activity increases at this time of the year. I sent out the e mail to advise people to be vigilant but still believe the farm to be one of the safest venues to cycle at. We employ a regular patrol by urban threat management and will increase the 3 Diepsloot youngsters to 6 as soon as we are able to recruit and train them. We work closesly with mapogo and the residents in the area as well as farm management and will not, I repeat will not allow a criminal element to spoil the use of the farm by mountainbikers.
