24 Nov 2015

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi has said 104 cases of stock theft have been reported in Lotlhakane East over the past two years.

Responding to a question from Kanye South MP, Mr Abram Kesupile, Mr Kgathi said during the same period, 25 cases were successfully completed before courts.

He said 143 livestock were involved including 56 cattle, 81 goats, two donkeys and seven sheep.

Minister Kgathi said to control and monitor the area, seven officers have been assigned to conduct constant surveillance, carry out prompt investigations and inspect butcheries and other meat outlets.

He said the team also continuously engages other stakeholders such as veterinary officers, district council meat inspectors, livestock owners and abattoir management officials as well as conducting intelligence led operations and patrols to help combat cases of stock theft.

MP  Kesupile had asked if the minister was aware that the livestock owners in Lotlhakane East, near Kanye are being impoverished by rustlers who deprive them of enjoyment of their hard raised livestock, plunging their lives in deep misery.

He asked the minister to state the number of reported stock theft cases in the last two years in the area, the number of those prosecuted and the number of livestock involved.

MP Kesupile also asked the minister to state the present level of surveillance in the area and the steps he will take to drastically reduce the misery caused to livestock owners. Ends