EC stock theft sting: Police seize over R6m in livestock

The long arm of the law has struck against stock theft in the Eastern Cape, resulting in the capture of six suspects and the seizure of livestock worth an estimated R6 127 500.

Provincial commissioner lieutenant general Nomthetheleli Mene addressed the ongoing issue, stating, “Stock theft is a challenge in the province, as most people in subsistence farming are leaving their stock roaming unattended.”

The operation lasted two weeks from 23 September to 4 October 2024, and involved a collaborative effort from a provincial task team. This included members from the stock theft and endangered species unit, visible policing, mounted unit, crime intelligence, K-9, airwing, immigration office, and the department of health.

Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, and Amathole were the areas targeted as they are known hot-spot districts for stock theft.

Operation outcomes

According to Mene, the operation led to 83 fines worth R97 600 for several contraventions. Additionally, four butcheries in KwaBhaca faced notices due to non-compliance.

Among the key successes recorded during the operation:

Asakhe Tshekula (20) from Tsolo was sentenced to 180 days imprisonment after pleading guilty to the possession of eight cattle and a horse in contravention of the Stock Theft Act.
Simphiwe Mbombo (55), also from Tsolo, received an R5 000 fine or three months imprisonment for possessing a cow carcass.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Qumbu for stock theft after six sheep were discovered in his kraal.
Three men aged between 20 and 45 were apprehended on warrants related to multiple stock theft cases.
A total of 342 cattle, 408 sheep, 28 goats, and a horse were confiscated during the operation.
83 individuals were fined for violating the Animal Identification Act.
The recovered livestock have been taken to various pounds in towns such as Qumbu, Tsolo, and KwaBhaca. Most stock remains unclaimed as they are not branded, complicating ownership verification.

Call to farmers to brand livestock

Farmers in rural areas often fall victim to stock theft due to inadequate security measures, limited law enforcement presence, unattended livestock, and insufficient animal identification, amongst other reasons.

Mene said it is challenging to prosecute suspects if the livestock is not branded.

“We appeal to stock owners to work with the police to overcome these challenges, starting with a visit to the nearest SAPS stock theft and endangered species unit for assistance with branding or tattooing of stock,” he said.