Kimberley – 24 January 2024: Livestock theft is a growing problem in the province, affecting farmers in all districts in the province. Farmers rely on their livestock for their livelihood.
The 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.
Therefore, the police in the Northern Cape is making an urgent plea to all farmers in the province to implement and adhere to the following safety hints that can assist them in protecting their livestock and reduce the risk of significant losses due to livestock theft, by:
*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.
*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.
*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.
*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 your local 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 the rise in stock theft.
*Owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between SAPS and the Agriculture Industry.
*If you notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, report it to SAPS and your neighbours immediately.
It often happens that stock theft cases must be withdrawn due to a lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings.
Cooperate with the local South Africa Police Service and Stock Theft Unit, 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.
Anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111or MySAPS App.
All information will be treated confidentially.End
Enquiries
Lt Col Sergio Kock/Sgt Molefi Shemane
Media Centre
Northern Cape
0824949982
KockSF@saps.gov.za
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