EASTERN Cape emerging farmers are struggling to grow their businesses, as they lose millions of rands in stock around the province.
This was after Eastern Cape police recovered a number of stolen livestock in various parts of the province. Transport and community safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha, said the police crackdown on stock theft was gaining momentum. Police in Mqanduli recently recovered a large number of stolen livestock during a recent operation in the area.
In a statement, Nqatha said nine cattle were recovered in Bityi, 13 in Ngcobo, and 56 sheep in surrounding areas. Additional recoveries, he said, included 15 cattle and 14 goats. He encouraged police to continue with raids as stock theft was common in the province.
“We welcome the good work done by our police in curbing stock theft in the province. Stock theft is causing our emerging farmers to lose millions of rands. As part of curbing this crime, we have now introduced a technology-based system to assist in combatting the scourge,” Nqatha said.
