By REGINALD KANYANE
5 September 2024- A man (28) was arrested for stock theft by the Carnarvon Stock Theft and Endangered Species unit. On 31 August 2024, at around 3pm, the members of Carnarvon STESU, pounced on the suspect at his place of residence in Goutrou Informal Settlement, near Carnarvon.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said the police found the suspect with an alleged stolen sheep carcass worth approximately R2000.
“The suspect was charged with possession of suspected stolen stock and will appear in the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court soon. The police request that farmers implement stock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock.
“They should ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect their livestock. Ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately. Property owners should not merely delegate, but take charge by inspecting their livestock,” he said.
Kock further said the farmers should ensure that the yards or kraals, where the stock is kept are secured. He added that they should be watchful, particularly when there is a full moon, over weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that they know from experience when stock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs.
“Know your neighbours and your livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week. The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough.
“Owners, brand your stock and go to the SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates to the Department of Agriculture,” said Kock.
He said owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them. Kock urges farmers to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft.
“Owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between SAPS, local farmers’ unions, and communities. If you notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, report it to the police and your neighbours immediately,” he said.
Kock also urged farmers to refrain from hiring undocumented persons as employees on their farm. He said they should ensure that, they have full details of labourers as this can assist police with investigations of stock theft.
“Cooperate with the local South Africa Police Service and STESU and assist the police in their efforts to curb stock theft. Anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or their local Stock Theft units.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” said Kock.
The Guardian 