GQEBERHA – Well-known Eastern Province pigeon racer, Niezaam Jappie, is counting his losses after his Sidwell loft was broken into in what appears to be a highly targeted theft, resulting in nearly his entire 2025 racing team (48) being stolen.
In a video that has circulated widely on social media, Jappie detailed the extent of the break-in, saying that intruders entered the loft without triggering the alarm system and had disconnected all surveillance cameras beforehand.
According to Jappie, close to sixty young pigeons he had bred for next season were taken, leaving only one baby bird behind. While a few birds sitting on eggs were left untouched, his entire team of race pigeons was removed from the loft.
“They removed the pins and louvres cleanly, which tells me this was someone who understands pigeons and knows how lofts work,” Jappie said. He noted that the loft stands almost three metres off the ground, making the access point used by the thieves particularly concerning. A theft case has been opened with SAPS.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed that a theft case was opened on 7 November 2025 in Haupt Street, Sidwell, after 48 pigeons were stolen. She added that SAPS Kariega is also investigating two similar cases in Donald Street, Valleisig, where 60 pigeons were stolen in September and a further 50 in November. No arrests have been made in any of the cases, and investigations are ongoing.
Eastern Province Pigeon Union (EPPU) Port Elizabeth publicity officer, Ryan Andrews, told PE Express that while the incidents share similarities, responsibility for securing lofts ultimately rests with individual pigeon fanciers.
“Each loft is different and requires its own security upgrades. There is no evidence at this stage linking the cases, but they have all been reported to SAPS, and investigations are ongoing,” Andrews said.
He added that the losses incurred by Jappie are particularly difficult to quantify.
Many of Niezaam’s pigeons were purchased over the last ten to fifteen years, and there is no individual record for each bird. There is also no insurance for racing pigeons, unlike with dogs and cats.
Following the break-in, members from various pigeon organisations across the country offered support, with several established fanciers pledging to donate young birds to help Jappie rebuild his stock.
“Niezaam may be able to participate in the 2026 season if the gifted young pigeons can home to his loft in time before the new season begins in May 2026,” Andrews said.
The EPPU has since issued alerts via its social media platforms, urging fanciers to assess their lofts and implement additional security measures where necessary.
Despite the setback, Jappie said he intends to rebuild and return to competition, expressing gratitude for the support he has received from the pigeon racing community.
