WESSELTON – Mr Sthuli Moses Msibi has expressed his frustration with the theft of pigs of his family’s farrowing place in Phumula, which is situated close to the old sewerage plant.
Mr Msibi alleged that his family’s substantial farming began in 2012 after his father had passed away, leaving him with no choice but to relocate to Phumula and assist his brother with taking care of the livestock.
Mr Msibi also raised his concern about the high rate of stock theft in the area, as well as the difficulty of picking up the pieces of these crimes, which are allegedly committed by residents of the neighbouring informal community.
He added that the recent robbery that occurred in the farrowing place happened on March 27 when two pigs were stolen.
“The location of the farm is not ideal, but this does not mean people should take advantage and steal the live stock. The first incident occurred in 2020 during the first hard lockdown when they stole eight pigs. I must say that since then, we have lost more to theft,” Mr Msibi said.
He added the two pigs that were stolen were discovered in the nearby informal settlement but they were slaughtered.
“A case was opened with the Ermelo Police Station, but it was later dropped on May 25 owing to “alternative conflict resolution,” which we have never taken to trial, and the suspects are still wandering the area.”
Mr Msibi claims that he reported the stock theft incident to the stock theft unit, but that he was not assisted since the stock certification was not in his name.
According to the department of agriculture, land reform, and rural development, animals should have an identity mark on them within two weeks, regardless if they were received as a gift or delivered.
Read complete article in Highvelder newspaper.
