17 Sep 2024

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Kegolotswe Modutlwa, has warned that farmers who engage in out-of-court agreements with stock thieves are inadvertently encouraging the continuation of these crimes.

Speaking at an anti-stock theft workshop recently, Mr Modutlwa highlighted the negative impacts of victims withdrawing cases from the judicial process in favour of settlements outside the legal system.

The workshop, themed; Police and the Community: Together We Can Curb Stock Theft, emphasised the importance of vigilance among farmers in confronting stock theft issues head-on.

Mr  Modutlwa stated that for effective prevention of stock theft, it was essential for farmers to consistently pursue legal action against alleged offenders and allow the law to take its course.

He underscored the necessity for cooperation between the police and farming communities, noting that initiatives such as Kgomo-Khumo and the police anti-stock theft unit are crucial resources in the fight against livestock crime.

“The police can only succeed through cordial relations with farmers,” he stated.

During his address, Mr Modutlwa identified common stock thieves, including herd boys, butchers, organized crime syndicates involving both local officials and business owners, as well as collaborations between foreigners and locals to illegally transport livestock across borders.

To bolster efforts against stock theft, he advocated for the establishment of community-led anti-stock theft committees. These groups would enhance the flow of information on theft trends and prevention methods between the community and the police.

Mr Modutlwa also voiced support for “cluster policing,” which would involve the formation of farmer committees and task forces at cattle posts and farms.

Mr Modutlwa stressed the need for whistleblower incentives, noting that community participation is vital in tackling stock theft. “Whistleblowers tend to be reluctant when they are not offered any reward for their service,” he said.

In addition, he called on the government to equip police officers with advanced tools and technologies, such as drones, that could enhance monitoring and enforcement capabilities against stock theft.

The former police official pointed out several factors fueling livestock theft, including a robust market for stolen cattle, a limited number of abattoirs, unregulated earmarks and brands for small stock, and farmer negligence.

Mr Cosmos Tshotlang, the district crime prevention chairperson, echoed the need for community engagement in policing. He noted the government’s introduction of the community policing initiative as a response to rising crime rates and urged farmers to strengthen their community policing forums to effectively address the root causes of stock theft.

Mr Tshotlang highlighted the loopholes in current farming methods that allow cattle thieves to register and brand stolen animals, calling for thorough investigations into livestock ownership.

Senior Superintendent Alfa Sibanda, Officer Commanding District No. 9, urged farmers to take a more active role in the management of their livestock to prevent theft. He expressed concern that farmers had become increasingly dependent on headmen for livestock care, which led to neglect.

He also pointed out that late payments to headmen have resulted in some resorting to theft.

Superintendent Sibanda recommended that farmers’ associations create platforms for headmen to voice their concerns and provide input on theft prevention strategies. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of branding and earmarking cattle, warning that criminals often target unbranded livestock due to their ease of theft.

The workshop concluded with a collective call to action for farmers, police, and community members to collaborate in order to effectively combat the growing threat of stock theft in the region. Ends