Livestock theft leads to huge losses

February 2025

THE ECONOMIC LOSS OF LIVESTOCK THEFT FOR THE RED MEAT INDUSTRY AMOUNTS TO MILLIONS OF RANDS PER YEAR. it IS NOT ONLY ABOUT THE ECONOMIC LOSS FOR PRODUCERS AND LIVESTOCK OWNERS, BUT ALSO THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT IT HAS ON THEM. THIS CRIME HAS ALSO CHANGED FROM ORDINARY ‘POT SLAUGHTER’ TO A SYNDICATED CRIME.

The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum discussed several matters of critical importance during its last meeting for the year, which was held on 13 November 2024. The Forum was of the opinion that the police should again declare livestock theft as a priority crime and place it in the same category as the theft of copper, fuel and other ferrous metals. The economic loss of livestock theft to the South African economy is astronomical.

Another aspect that is of concern to the forum, is the increase in illegal hunting with dogs in livestock theft. An appeal is made to producers to report this trend to the Stock Theft Units and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), as this practice is mostly accompanied by brutality and animal abuse. The additional charge of animal cruelty in a livestock theft case can contribute to an aggravating sentence.

The Forum is closely involved with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regarding support for the training of state prosecutors for livestock theft cases. In this regard, liaison was also established with Justice College. However, the Forum understands the financial challenges faced by the National Prosecuting Authority, as well as Justice College.

Finally, the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum seriously appeals to producers to become more involved in the rural safety structures, the establishment of Stock Theft Information Centres (STICs) and the reporting of any livestock theft case, no matter how minor.

It is an established fact that several livestock theft cases can be linked to a specific accused to contribute to an aggravating sentence. It is important that producers must be aware of the value that the Forfeiture Unit of the NPA can add to an aggravated sentence and the seizure of the accused’s vehicles used in livestock theft.

TIPS TO KEEP LIVESTOCK SAFE

• Ensure that your livestock register is up to date.
• Make sure you inspect your fences regularly – this is something you should do yourself. Do not rely on your workers.
• Keep your local stock theft investigation officer’s contact details at hand.
• Avoid falling into a routine. Do not visit your livestock and grazing camps at the same time every day.
• If you are going to be away from the farm, make sure your absence is uploaded to your local security groups. If possible, ask a neighbour to visit your farm unexpectedly – this should also not be at a specific time every day.
• Be aware of any movement in your area, especially of unfamiliar vehicles. Ask your workers to report suspicious/unknown vehicles immediately.
• If possible, do not let your livestock graze in paddocks bordering access roads or national roads.
• In case of a stock theft, report it immediately. Get a case number and follow up on the case.
• Ensure that all your livestock are branded, as this is the only way to prove ownership.

Source: https://rpo.co.za/nasionale-veediefstal-voorkomingsforum-bespreek-verskeie-sake-van-belang-national-stock-theft-prevention-
forum-addresses-a-number-of-issues/

Publication: February 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: RPO Newsletter, December 2024