In South Africa, livestock theft is a significant and escalating problem, particularly impacting sheep farmers. Incidents of theft have led to considerable financial losses and emotional distress among farmers. For instance, in the Free State, some farmers are being forced to sell their livestock due to the persistent theft problem. One farmer reported the loss of 25 sheep, and despite efforts involving drones and CCTV cameras, technology often falls short due to issues like poor signal and battery failures (The Citizen).
In Limpopo, farmers are forming safety forums and collaborating with local police to tackle livestock theft. Despite these efforts, the crime continues to disrupt their operations, with some communities experiencing a continuous loss of cattle, goats, and sheep over the past few years (SABC News).
The situation is similarly dire in the North West, where farmers accuse police of colluding with thieves. Farmers in the Marico region report losing hundreds of livestock annually, and there is a growing distrust in law enforcement’s ability to handle the situation effectively (The Citizen).
Combating livestock theft in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach, including better technological solutions, stronger community policing initiatives, and enhanced accountability within the police force. For more details, you can read articles on Food for Mzansi, SABC News, and The Citizen.