R’fontein’s cattle under attack?
Two cases of stock theft reported in two days; police warn farmers and cattle owners.
Randfontein Police warn farmers and cattle owners to be extra vigilant after a number of cases pertaining to stock theft have been reported.
The first case was reported on Saturday 20 June after attempts to steal ward councillor Alwyn van Tonder’s sheep.
Police informed the Herald on Thursday 24 June of another farmer who was the victim of stock theft on Wednesday 17 June – just three days before the incident on Van Tonder’s plot. The theft took place in Brandvlei, which is more than 7km from Dwarskloof.
According to Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police, “The farmer, 48, ensured that his cattle were secured in the kraal but the following morning they were gone.
“This is but one of the numerous cases pertaining to stock theft reported every week.”
Randfontein Police management is concerned about the frequency of these incidents and issued stock-theft prevention tips.
Police would like would like to bring the following to the attention of farmers/cattle owners:
• Ensure that stock are branded or marked according to prescribed methods. Sometimes police recover stock, but without the necessary identification it is impossible to prove the stock had been stolen.
• As soon as damage to a fence is noticed, it should be fixed to ensure that access to the property is hampered.
• It is a known fact that casual workers, such as shepherds and farm workers are employed without employers making the necessary enquiries regarding their identity and place of residence.
• Do not buy stolen goods, including stock. Remember if you buy stolen stock, you are also committing a criminal offence.
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Also read:
Ward councillor a victim of stock theft
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