19 Feb 2025

A collaborative approach between the community and law enforcement is crucial in the fight against stock theft and cross-border crime.

This was said by  Mr Moeti Mohwasa, the Minister for State President during a consultative meeting with the leadership and farmers’ committees of Sepakoon recently. 

Mr Mohwasa emphasised that crime prevention was a shared responsibility that extended beyond law enforcement agencies to include all relevant stakeholders.

His statements came in response to alarming concerns raised by farmers regarding the theft of over 143 cattle, which have reportedly been taken into neighboring Zimbabwe.

Chairperson of the farmers’ committee, Mr Smarts Moswate highlighted the proximity of their village just 12 kilometers from the border fence, as a significant factor contributing to the ongoing thefts.

He lamented that the absence of law enforcement officers and the closure of Veterinary Services Pickets since April 2022 have exacerbated the situation, leading to an alarming increase in stock theft.

Mr Moswate recalled that in the same month the law enforcement officers were withdrawn, 12 cattle were stolen. This was followed by a theft of 28 cattle in September 2023.

The situation worsened further, with 90 cattle reported stolen by March 2024, leaving many farmers desperate and empty-handed.

Despite reporting these incidents to police, Mr Moswate stated that no livestock has been recovered.

In response to the escalating crisis, farmers formed a new committee, Kgetsi ya tsie, alongside their existing farmers’ committee.
This initiative aims to collaborate closely with police in combating stock theft.

Mr Moswate also called for an increase in Botswana Defence Officers stationed in the village, noting that only four officers were currently present.

He believes that enhancing personnel and resources for patrols along the border would significantly reduce theft incidents.

Additionally, Mr Moswate requested support to visit Bobirwa district to learn from their strategies in tackling similar issues of cross-border stock theft.

Minister Mohwasa echoed the need for collective efforts, stating that community members often possess valuable information about perpetrators but hesitate to report it, complicating police efforts to maintain order.

He urged locals to share information that could aid in crime prevention, asserting that some criminal activities are fueled by local complicity.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Mr Lawrence Ookeditse pleaded with  district leadership, including the District Commissioner’s office and village leaders, to coordinate a benchmarking meeting in Bobirwa by March 10.

There was also agreement for farmers and village leadership to convene by the end of the month to form a committee that includes law enforcement officers to combat stock theft effectively. ENDS