By OBAKENG MAJE

The Northern Cape police say the livestock theft is rife and affecting farmers across all districts in the province. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said farmers rely on their livestock for their livelihoods.

Shemane further said theft of livestock also have wider social and economic consequences, including animal welfare concerns, disruptions to the food supply chain and increased tensions between farmers and surrounding communities.

He added that, therefore, the police in the Northern Cape are making an urgent plea to all farmers in the province to implement and adhere to the safety hints that can assist them in protecting their livestock and reduce the risk of significant losses due to livestock theft.

“Ensure that all fences and gates are kept in good working 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.

“Loading ramps in padlocks or on farms away from direct supervision should always be kept locked or obstructed. The yards or kraals where the stock is kept should be secured,” said Shemane.

He said in the planning of paddocks, the forming of corners next to roads should be avoided as this is ideal for livestock to be driven into and for loading purposes. Shemane said when buying an additional farm, consider buying close to your residential farm.

“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 stock-theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs.

“Know your neighbours and 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,” he said.

Shemane said owners should go to their local SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where they will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates from the Department of Agriculture. He said 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 the rise in stock theft. Owners of livestock are also encouraged to make use of help lines created through cooperation between the police and the Agriculture Industry.

“If they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report it to the police and their neighbours immediately,” said Shemane.

He said it often happens that stock theft cases are withdrawn due to a lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings. Shemane said owners should cooperate with the local Stock Theft Unit and do not work against them.

“The theft of livestock is driven by the high demand for meat and other livestock products, as well as the easy access to markets, where stolen animals can be sold. However, addressing the root causes of the problem also requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.

“By working together, we will combat livestock theft and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers across the country. So, anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111or MySAPS App,” said Shemane.

He said all information will be treated confidentially.

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