Police spokesperson, Martin Xuma, says the main objective of the operation, planned in collaboration with VKB/Free State Agriculture Safety Desk, was to check that animals are properly identified. He says it is important to be proactive.

“We started at 4.30am and when we reached the farming community they were so happy to see the police, as well as other farmers, working together and checking the livestock. They felt at peace that at least now they feel safe that the police, as well as the farmers, are moving around.”

“You know, we have had cases of stock theft here in the Selosesha area and we feel that we should do more, together with the farming community, to stop this stock theft.”

He says they also issued several fines to livestock owners whose animals were not properly brand marked in terms of the Livestock Identification Act.

Free State Agriculture has thanked the police for taking part and says it was an absolute pleasure to see the passion with which they do their work.

Police and farmers started the operation around 4.30am.

Despite pouring rain, officers approached the proactive operation with passion.

Part of the process involved ensuring that all livestock is properly branded in terms of the Livestock Identification Act. Photos: Alani Janeke/Free State Agriculture

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