General manager Naudé Pienaar says stock theft is a growing problem. “People are losing their livelihoods. Where these criminals stole one or two animals in the past, it has become a truckload of animals being stolen.

“These people are well organised, and they have a very good network of people giving them information.” They move freely around the province. Whenever the heat becomes too much in one specific area, they move on to the next, where there is not enough protection for livestock.

“The challenge that we have, is that we don’t get enough support from the police. We understand that sometimes there is not enough personnel, but the lack of support from the police is the main problem.”

Statistics presented during their latest meeting with police showed about 300 stock theft cases over two months. This, however, only reflected cases that were reported.

“Some farmers no longer report stock theft because they believe the police response is ineffective.”

Lengthy court processes remain a major challenge. Some farmers have attended court several times over several years, only for cases to be repeatedly postponed, resulting in significant costs and frustration.

“All we can do, is try to prevent and stop these thieves. There are a lot of efforts from farmers, including cameras, patrols and armed guards. They do anything they can to scare off criminals.”

General manager Naudé Pienaar. Photo: Agri NW

Agri NW is trying to improve authorities’ understanding of the challenges farmers are facing and to improve cooperation between farmers and the police. The organisation also participates in stock theft units and crime-priority meetings, while its security desk assists farmers with reporting cases and following up on investigations.

Pienaar urges farmers to organise themselves into farmers’ unions and ensure effective communication and strategies, such as patrols and road monitoring.

“We are requesting and motivating people to cooperate with good policemen and interact with them so that we can have a joint strategy between us as farmers and the police.”

OFM Agri/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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