Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Unique branding to curb livestock theft
A new KZN agriculture department project aims to help put an end to stock theft, writes Jyothi Laldas.
With the prevalence of stock theft affecting farmers all over South Africa, the KwaZuluNatal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) has embarked on a programme to safeguard livestock in the numerous districts of the province. Launching the latest project, the department visited Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality recently to create awareness and hand over branding kits to livestock farmers in the Loskop area. KZN DARD was introducing unique branding marks for each district with the aim of simplifying the process of reuniting lost livestock with owners. According to KZN agriculture MEC Super Zuma, livestock identification remained an effective means to curb stock theft. He encouraged livestock association members and owners to apply for brand mark certificates.
Handing over branding kits to 13 provincial livestock associations, Zuma said it was crucial for livestock associations to invite South African Police Service (SAPS) stock theft units to monthly meetings.
“Over and above the district branding marks, we are looking at employing herdsmen through the EPWP [Expanded Public Works Programme] who will be deployed to assist communities to herd communal branded cattle to solve the problem of unattended livestock in communities,” he said.
He added that the Department of Justice needed to take steps to increase the fines or mandatory prison sentences for stock theft as a more serious deterrent for thieves.
Zuma said that KZN DARD, in conjunction with the Road Traffic Inspectorate and the SAPS Stock Theft Unit, would be conducting more roadblocks during peak stock theft periods, as well as teaming up with the Provincial Task Team on municipality pounds to initiate awareness and training campaigns.
Sibusiso Ndlovu from the Bolohweni Dip Tank, a Loskop livestock association, has been a victim of stock theft several times, losing thousands of rand worth of livestock. Speaking about the last two attacks, where thieves invaded his kraal and stole livestock, Ndlovu said his family lived in fear since the incidents, but he was hopeful that KZN DARD’s interventions would put a stop to the thefts.
“In 2022, they took 12 cattle. Last year in August and in November, I lost goats and seven cattle respectively. It was heartbreaking and discouraging seeing my cattle being taken away from me. I spent many years trying to save to be able to buy cattle, but in a moment, I lost everything. I am encouraged by the department’s efforts to curb stock theft and I am looking forward to growing my business to be able to provide for my family. As farmers we want to see more of these thieves being dealt with.”
Major General Jabulani Khumalo, from the Upper Tugela Police Station, said stock theft cases in the region were worrying, with some cases even leading to murder. Some of the perpetrators were known to the farming community and it was important for individuals to come forward to assist the police. The most affected areas were Bergville, Upper Tugela and Ntabamhlophe.
“It is disheartening and disappointing to witness the determination of these criminals. There have been times where theft had led to farmers being killed and it has to stop.
‘IT WAS HEARTBREAKING AND DISCOURAGING SEEING MY CATTLE BEING TAKEN AWAY FROM ME’
“I believe that senseless murders would not occur if we were working together.
“In all our successful cases, we were assisted by members of the community who provided positive leads. We need more people to come forward so that we can defeat these criminals. We are grateful for the department’s effort and we will work together to end stock theft,” said Khumalo.
The chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, said there was no blessing for thieving hands.
“They are robbing generations of their inheritance. The entire province is suffering and it is painful to see families losing their wealth.
“These criminals are brutal, so we fully support government in its efforts to stop this criminality.
“I urge the community to work closely with authorities to ensure that thieves are brought to book.”