By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 October 2024- A man (32) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Victoria West Magistrate’s Court for livestock theft. The accused, Freddie Jacobs was caught stealing livestock at Marseilles Farm in Victoria West on 14 April 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said Jacobs was caught in the act and was subsequently arrested. Sam said the police request farmers to implement livestock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock.
“Ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect your livestock. Ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately. Property owners should not merely delegate, but take charge by inspecting their livestock.
“The yards or kraals where the livestock is kept should be secured. Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon, over weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from experience when livestock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs,” he said.
Sam also urge farmers to know their neighbours. He further said livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week.
“The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough. Owners, kindly brand your stock and go to SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates to the Department of Agriculture.
“Owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them. Farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft,” said Sam.
He added that owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between SAPS, local farmers’ unions, and communities. Sam said if they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report that to the police and their neighbours immediately.
“Refrain from hiring undocumented persons as employees on your farm. Ensure that you have full details of labourers as this can assist police with investigations of stock theft.
“Cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and STESU. 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,” said Sam.
He said the police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services.
The Guardian 