07 Oct 2015

From way back Batswana have always been known as a society that keeps livestock for several reasons such as a means of survival, a source of pride as well as something that defines the dignity of an individual. Even today, some Batswana are still holding unto the practice, and there are several opportunities availed that are meant to improve livestock rearing.

Moreover, this kind of farming is considered as one of the activities that have the potential to diversify the economy of the country.

Although farmers are faced with challenges of mortality rate, diseases, unreliable rains and other factors, livestock theft seems to be on top of the list. Almost every farmer complains of it and every one of them seems to know the agony of losing livestock through theft.

Escalating cases of stock theft have eventually propelled some farmers to come up with means that can be used to lessen the situation.

A group of 50 farmers, who are into small stock production, has formed Jamataka Small Stock Association and divided it into groups with the intention to work closely and see how possible they can assist each other.

In an interview recently, the chairperson of the association Mr Nomazwe Dlamini explained that although the police were working tirelessly to fight the situation, as the community they also felt the need to intervene.

 “Fighting stock theft should not be left to be the responsibility of the law enforcement agents alone, the community should also find ways and see how they can assist,” he said.

He said to enhance the personal branding used by owners, they have come up with a strategy of clipping different colorful ear tags depending on the group and these are used to know, which area the animals belong to.

“Besides the official ear tag from the Department of Veterinary Services, we have introduced our own colorful ear tags, which bear the name and contacts of the owner of the livestock and the colours vary depending on our groups,” he said.

Mr Dlamini noted that the strategy proves to be viable, noting that one other factor that led to stock theft is that of stray animals, especially the young ones, as such he said if one finds them he can easily contact the owner. Furthermore, he said they have set an agreement with the police and the Veterinary services that whenever one sells their livestock the ear tags should always be clipped so as to prove that their livestock is theirs. 

For his part, Superintendent Cyprian Magalela of Tatitown Police station in Francistown confirmed that issues of stock theft continue to be a challenge in his area of jurisdiction.

However, he said through the police and community partnerships, they are working tirelessly to address the situation. Supt Magalela also encouraged farmers to always keep an eye on their livestock, noting that the tendency of allowing livestock to roam unattended day and night is not ideal. Ends