In an effort to combat the scourge of stock theft which is a nationwide problem and has negative effects, especially on small and emerging livestock owners, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe on Friday 04 June 2021 joined the MEC for Transport and Community Safety Mrs Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya during a dialogue on Stock Theft and Endangered Species held at the DzingiDzingi AFM church in the Giyani policing area, Mopani District.
The Provincial Stock Theft Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Molepa Mafokwane shared the following safety tips:
* Count your livestock regularly.
* Report all stock theft cases immediately.
* Keep controlled livestock register.
* Mark your livestock accordingly (Many cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals).
* Be particularly watchful during full moon, weekend and month end.
* Report unknown animals to SAPS immediately.
* Cooperate with the local SAPS and Stock Theft Unit and not against them. Support them in their efforts to help you.
* Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be locked.
* Livestock- owners should keep fences and gates in proper condition to protect their livestock.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Hadebe outlined the importance of livestock as many households survive on it and that they need to be looked after at all times to minimise roads accidents caused by stray animals. She further pleaded with community members to attend CSF and CPF meetings as they will be more educated and understand better on how to safeguard their livestock.”
