Rising Stock Theft Crisis Threatens South African Farmers and Food Security

South Africa faces a growing stock theft crisis that threatens farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food security. Recent arrests in Klerksdorp, where police found 26 stolen goats worth R50 000, highlight the scale of the problem.

Stock Theft on the Rise in South Africa

According to Statistics South Africa’s 2024-25 Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey, livestock theft is climbing:

• 36 109 cases reported in the past year, up 3.5% from the year before.

• 152 033 animals stolen nationwide.

• Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape are the hardest-hit provinces.

Communities Losing Faith in Police

National Stock Theft Prevention Forum (NSPF) chair Louis Wessels says many farmers no longer report crimes.

“In an independent survey, communities indicated they have lost faith in the police. Stock theft requires specialist investigators, but there is a shortage,” Wessels explained.

He urged farmers to join rural safety structures to track cases and improve accountability.

Farmers Urged to Take Preventive Steps

Wessels stressed that farmers must also act responsibly.

• Report every stock theft case.

• Brand large stock and tattoo small stock under the Animal Identification Act.

• Ensure affidavits given to police are accurate, since they form the basis of court cases.

“Without correct reporting, SAPS cannot allocate resources. Identification of animals is the first line of defence,” Wessels said.

Food Security and Rural Livelihoods at Risk

Stock theft poses a direct threat to food supply and rural income.

“If someone owns 10 cows and five are stolen, that is a 50% income loss,” Wessels warned.

Agricultural union TLU SA’s Bennie van Zyl called for urgent government action before farmers are forced out of business.

What the Thieves Target

Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo says:

• Most theft occurs in kraals or near homes (48%).

• Another 40.7% occurs while livestock graze in fields.

• Goats (39.8%) are the most stolen, followed by cattle (24.6%).

Sihlobo added that stock theft brings enormous security costs to commercial farmers and threatens new or smallholder farmers with collapse.

Calls for Government-Farmer Collaboration

Farmers and unions argue that stronger partnerships between police, prosecutors, and agricultural groups are critical.

National SAPS recently engaged Bloemfontein farmers to discuss strategies, but farmers warn time is running out.

“Stock theft is draining the sector,” said Sihlobo. “If we want a prosperous agricultural industry, there must be enhanced collaboration and tighter controls.”

{Source: TheCitizen}

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