24 Animals Gone in a Month: Stock Theft ‘Major Headache’ for Barrage Police

Police in the Barrage precinct are fighting a losing battle against livestock theft, with syndicates leaving farmers and stock owners in rural communities bearing the brunt of economic losses.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Sophia Gaboutlwelwe, four cases of stock theft were opened in February alone.

The tally: 24 animals have disappeared without a trace.

• 15 sheep

• 5 goats

• 4 cows

The total value of the animals taken is estimated to be close to R100,000.

The Plea

Speaking to Ster, Gaboutlwelwe pleaded with stock owners to take it upon themselves to mark their animals.

While police are working around the clock to try to recover stolen livestock, rural safety co-ordinator Sergeant Albertina Shabalala explained the challenge.

“It’s difficult for police to find stolen cattle when owners have not brandmarked. When cattle are branded, it makes the job easy, as there is a dedicated division that deals with stock theft.”

The Frustration

Shabalala expressed frustration at the lack of compliance despite ongoing community engagements.

“When we do community engagements, we issue pamphlets on how stock is brandmarked, and they don’t follow the rules.”

The Bottom Line

Stock theft is not a victimless crime. For farmers, the loss of 15 sheep, five goats, and four cows is a significant financial blow. For police, tracking unbranded animals is nearly impossible.

The message from Barrage SAPS is clear: brand your livestock, or risk losing them forever.

{Source: Citizen}

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