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By Cynthia Nkgudi
Alarming stock theft figures were revealed during the Sekhukhune East Agro-Ecological Zone gathering in Ga-Nkoana Village.
According to the statistics shared at the meeting, over 49 000 livestock have been reported stolen in the 2023/2024 financial period.
It was also made public that over 13 400 cattle, over 22 800 sheep and over 13 000 goats were stolen during that period.
“The farmers in Red Meat Industry Service suffered an estimated R1 billion in loss,” Read a statement of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on its Facebook page.
The Livestock Theft Awareness campaign, which sought to employ preventative measures and mechanisms to combat the skyrocketing stock theft, was held at the local Moses Mabotha Hall on 11 September.
Red Meat Industry’s Douw Pulser highlighted that brand marking of livestock is key in the fight against stock theft.
“It is the first line of defence,” Pulser stressed. He further encouraged the use of other methods such as the implementation of technological equipment including microchips, GPS, sensors and surveillance.
Pulser further advised that the measures will complement the existing property security, proper record keeping of animals and building partnerships as farmers and police.
Stock theft also took the centre stage during a SAPS event which was held to welcome newly recruited constables in Sekhukhune District recently.
