By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said livestock theft is a serious issue that affects farmers in many parts of the province and severely threatens the physical security of farmers. The police urge farmers to protect their livestock from theft as it is important to take proactive steps in securing both property and animals.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said farmers are therefore requested to implement stock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock. Sam said farmers 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. The yards or kraals where the stock is kept should be secured.
“Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon over the weekends and at the end or beginning of a month or during periods that you know from experience when stock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs,” he said.
Sam further said farmers should know their neighbours. He added that 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. 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 said owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between the police, local farmers unions and communities. Sam said if they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report it 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 local South African Police Service (SAPS), 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,” he said.
Sam 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 