Limpopo farmers left despondent over persistent stock theft
Farmers in the Niani area told the Capricorn Voice that thieves, who are known to them, are destroying their dreams and hard work as stock theft is a regular occurrence in the area.
LIMPOPO – Stock theft is on the increase in the Niani area to such an extent that many hard-hit farmers are considering leaving the sector altogether.
The worried local farmers are from areas such as Gumbu, Bennde Mutele, Mutele A and B, Tshiilamusi, Masisi, Tshenzhelani, Tshotshokho and Mukununde.
One of the farmers, Ambrose Madou from Muswodi Tshisimani, says they have been losing goats, cattle and even sheep to poachers either for slaughter or resell.
He himself has lost 29 goats.
“Stock theft here is a daily occurrence. Then you are met with the challenge of reporting the theft and opening a case. I am one of those who have reported the matter to the Muswodi satellite police station. All traces of my 29 goats will be lost while the police are investigating.”
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He says his lofty ambitions of becoming a top stock farmer have been dealt a severe blow by those who steal his animals.
“On October 3 a man was found loading 17 goats. The police were called and are questioning the suspect and waiting for the owner to come and identify the goats. The problem is serious,” he said.
Another farmer, Patson Masindi, has lost 14 goats and is equally frustrated.
“Stock theft is rife. We know some of the people who are stealing our livestock. We catch them and take them to the police, and then the police just release them again,” he said.
He said they are particularly concerned about stock theft in the Niani area.
“We are fully aware that livestock farming is the main agricultural activity in this area, and we have intensified the fight against stock theft, but it is still shocking how many cattle, sheep and goats are being stolen. I love farming, but at this rate, one could be forced out of the trade. I have worked very hard to be where I am today, but these thieves are destroying my dreams,” he said angrily.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said that, as part of intensifying the fight against crime in various districts, the police conduct, among others, integrated stabilisation operations or interventions, as well as proactive and collaborative approaches.
“This is done to ensure that we engage and hear from the farmers themselves about the challenges they encounter. We may indicate that the approaches different from one district to another, depending on the crime at stake,” he concluded.
