Stock theft a headache for R’fontein farmers
Police say stock theft is on the rise in the last month.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/08/Cattle-Medium.jpg)
Stock theft has been a headache for farmers and plot owners in Randfontein over the last month.
According to Constable Lucky Matome, spokesperson for the Tarlton Police,
Stock theft has been on the rise and not just in Randfontein. Krugersdorp has also been hit hard over the last period of time.”
Matome would like to reach out to farm and plot owners to help them help the police curb stock theft.
How not to be an easy stock theft target:
• Ensure animals are branded or marked appropriately
• Sturdy fencing
• Document workers even casual workers
• Ensure that livestock gates are secured especially at night
• Have a night guard watching over stock
• Proper lighting on property at night
• Repair damaged gates as soon as possible
• Ensure property is correctly numbered
• Make sure that the employed shepherd does not leave stock unattended
Matome focused specifically on cattle being marked as it assists police with finding the stolen stock where they would otherwise have no signs of being stolen.
Matome also noted the dangers of unattended livestock on roads. He would also like to warn stock owners to keep their animals within the parametres of their of their properties. He supports this by saying that there have been incidents where cattle crossing the road have caused collisions on roads.
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Also read:
Ward councillor a victim of stock theft
Randfontein’s cattle under attack
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