Cooperative loses goats worth R31 000 in shooting spree

SEVENTEEN families living on Groentuin farm on the outskirts of Alexandria have been dealt a low blow – some of their livestock were killed in a bizarre shooting late last week.

The goats, which belong to a cooperative formed by residents, met their fate after entering the neighbouring Kilani diary farm.

Cooperative leader Mlondolozi Tose, 50, said 12 of their goats were shot dead by the neighbour at about 4.30pm last Thursday when the goats entered his grazing land.

“I saw the goats enter his land from my house and I immediately sent a child to get them out,” Tose said.

“I was astonished when I saw him start shooting.”

Tose said the farms were divided by fencing.

The livestock lost was worth R31 000.

“We had hoped to sell some of these goats in the festive season,” he said.

“We were excited as some were pregnant and were due to give birth next year. This is a terrible loss.”

The cooperative had 35 goats bought with money raised as a community.

A witness, 17, described the gruesome incident as scary.

“It all happened so quickly.

“I had just got to the field to get the goats out and I saw a white bakkie approach.

“The man got out and pulled out his gun.

“I was scared – I thought he would shoot me as well, and I ran,” he said.

A case of malicious injury to property is being investigated by the Alexandria police station.

Police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender said: “It is alleged that a farmer in the Zuney area shot several goats grazing on his land.

“The case is under investigation.”