FARMERS in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, as well as the rest of the Eastern Cape province, are grappling with a surge in stock theft, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Kariega appealing to the public for help.
The trend in livestock theft has not only resulted in significant financial losses, but has also heightened concerns over the safety and security of livestock across the region.
According to Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg of the South African Police Services, since November 2024, incidents of cattle being stolen and slaughtered have increased, particularly in areas such as Kabega Park, Despatch, and Kariega.
“Criminals often butcher the animals on-site, leaving farmers with devastating losses. In a recent incident in Mimosadale, Rooihoogte, a farmer discovered that three of his kraaled cows had been slaughtered, another was severely injured, and four were missing, prompting concerns over the growing crime wave,” she detailed.
SAPS has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Detective Warrant Officers Mario Van Der Westhuizen and Yvette Browers are actively seeking information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits. Confidential tip-offs are welcomed through Crime Stop or the MySAPS App.
Adding to the narrative, the UD Express sister publication, Mthatha Express, previously reported this critical issue impacting emerging farmers across the Eastern Cape, resulting in losses of millions of rands annually.
Police efforts to combat stock theft are strengthened by new technology-driven strategies.
“Stock theft is causing our emerging farmers to lose millions of rands,” noted Transport and Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha at the time. “As part of curbing this crime, we have now introduced a technology-based system to assist in combating the scourge.”
Farmers and community members were encouraged to work together with law enforcement to address this pressing issue, which threatens the livelihoods of many in the region.
