THE theft of cattle, sheep and goats is costing Ezinqoleni subsistence farmers hundreds of thousands of rands.
For the past three years, there have been at least two cases of stock theft reported at Ezinqoleni police station per week.
In a recent case, seven goats were stolen in Godloza Ward last Saturday. “It is alleged that the owner of the goats left them in a kraal,” said police spokesman Captain Gerald Mfeka.
The next morning the owner noticed that his animals were not there.
The total value of the goats is estimated to be about R100 000. No arrests have been made and Ezinqoleni police are investigating.
The rise in stock theft has alarmed subsistence farmers. “It is threatening our livelihood and is causing great hardship,” said one farmer.
“We report all cases of stock theft to the police, though not all farmers do so. We are desperate for help,” pleaded the farmer.
Last week the Herald reported that four cattle to the value of R26 000 were stolen from Mbeni Ward, near Ezinqoleni.
