By REGINALD KANYANE
7 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said the increasing incidents of stock theft cases reported in the province is concerning. The police have requested that farmers, especially emerging farmers implement and adopt stock theft safety hints in order to safeguard and secure their livestock.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said farmers should ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect their livestock. Shemane said they should also ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately.
“Property owners should not merely delegate, but take charge by inspecting their livestock. They should ensure that the yards or kraals where the stock is kept are 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 stock thefts frequently (Slaughtering for the pot) occur.
“They should know their neighbours and count livestock at least once a week. The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be over emphasis. Owners, brand your stock theft, go to SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit officers, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates at the Department of Agriculture,” he said.
Shemane further said owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), by branding them. He added that farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft.
“Owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helpers 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 SAPS and your 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 local South African Police Service and Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and assist the SAPS in their efforts to curb stock theft,” said Shemane.
He said anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or their local Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit or your local police station. Shemane said all information will be treated confidentially.
The Guardian 