Rural safety under the magnifying glass at police station

Witbank Police and Witbank Rural Safety held a livestock theft workshop.

The purpose of the workshop was to help farmers raise awareness regarding the theft of animals.
October to December is usually the peak period for stock theft and slaughter.
During the meeting, a farmer expressed concerns and challenges they faced and the little assistance they received from the police.
They went on to state that due to those reasons and the constant fear for their lives, result in them taking the law into their own hands, to protect themselves, as well as the livestock.

Warrant Officer Maimela from Middelburg Police Station Stock Theft Unit said that she had honoured an invitation request to educate and raise awareness about stock theft and endangered species, “My job today is to inform the community and farmers as much as I can about the many things that they are not aware of when it comes to stock theft,” Maimela said.

Captain Matsibisa encouraged farmers to work hand in hand with the police and to engage in the sub-sector forums that have been put in place to register and screen farmworkers, “Bring your farmworker to get screening, it’s very important, even if they are illegal so that they can get into the system.”

Salome Botha mentioned that several issues were raised during the workshop.

“Dog hunting is a big problem because people get paid to hunt. We will be holding an awareness campaign to educate people and children and tell them it is illegal to do it. Fishing without a permit is also illegal, you must have one,’’ Botha said.

Local news | Framers worried about the increase in stock theft
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Farmers were also provided with tips on how to minimise the risk of livestock theft:
· The most important thing you must know and do is to brand or tag your animals.
· You must make sure your farm or plot has fencing around it so that your animals are safe.
· All the animals must be closed at night.
· Put some board on your fence and gate for private property, no trespassing will be allowed.
· If you have an animal that got stolen, you must first report it to the police, they will contact the stock theft unit.

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