Stock theft 'needs action'

GROWING: NATIONAL CRISIS THAT AFFECTS LIVELIHOODS AND THREATENS FOOD SECURITY

- Masoka Dube

Livestock owners must work with the authorities to fight against stock theft which is rampant in the country, says National Stock Theft Prevention Forum (NSPF) chair Louis Wessels. This was after a recent incident when three men were arrested a few days ago for being found in possession of 26 goats worth R50 000 in the back of a bakkie. They are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court soon.

Statistics South Africa's latest Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey (2024-25) says that livestock theft cases are increasing. In the past year alone, 36 109 cases of stock theft were reported—a 3.5% increase from the previous year.

A staggering 152 033 animals were stolen, with the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape the hardest-hit provinces.

"In an independent survey, it was found that, just like other crimes, community members have lost their faith in police due to a number of reasons and, therefore, they do not report stock theft cases," Wessels said.

"The police also have huge challenges due to the lack of investigators as stock theft is a specialist crime."