14 Sep 2015

Francistown principal magistrate, Mr Thebeetsile Molalu has implored farmers in the North East District to work with Zimbabwean authorities in strengthening anti-stock theft measures along the Botswana/Zimbabwe border.

Speaking during a one day anti-stock theft workshop in Matsiloje recently, Mr Molalu said livestock was of paramount importance to each community both at subsistence and commercial levels.

Mr Molalu said the negative impacts that come with theft of livestock were undeniable and urged farmers not to overestimate the importance of the workshop.

He stated that coming with the strategies would enable them to assess and examine the existing ones or strengthening them so that their drive to prevent the theft of livestock could be attainable and realised.  

Mr Molalu further said the theft of livestock was rampant and spread across the country. He appealed to all stakeholders to support farmers in their loss.

He noted that losing livestock brings loss of income to farmers as well as to the economy. He said information provided to him indicate that from 2012 to date, 132 varying animals were stolen. In addition he said 72 of the stolen stock were recovered whereas 51 remain unaccounted for.

He also revealed that 99 of the stolen stock was in Zimbabwe, adding that the numbers paint a serious and grim picture of the situation.

He therefore called upon all concerned parties to up their resolve in ensuring that the situation was brought under control if not eliminated completed.

Mr Molalu said the government, through the legislature, has taken steps in a bid to address livestock theft.

He said a proper and closer reading into the provisions of Stock Theft Act also emphasise the need for farmers to take good care of their stock.

Mr Molalu said gone were the days when livestock was kept just for pride because nowadays stock was a source of income and forms the base of livelihoods.

For her part, Assistant Superintendent Reboeleng Serumola of Tonota Police said since the establishment of an anti-stock theft unit, they were much concerned with matters involving stock.

She said although they encounter challenges in the unit, their efforts have not gone unnoticed and believed that resources allowing, they have the potential to deliver satisfactorily on the established mandate.

She appealed to stakeholders to be active in all activities by anti-stock theft unit in their respective areas so that they all fight in the same manner.

ASP Serumola acknowledged the Matsiloje anti-stock theft committee for being active since it was introduced. 

She said it was their responsibility to assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring that the problem of theft was brought to an end.

One of the suggestions at the workshop was that the border should be patrolled using horses instead of vehicles, and that the trial of stock theft cases should be conducted at customary courts. Ends