14 Apr 2016

The Ministry of Agriculture has intensified security at every Zone 11 point of entry to ensure compliance with the recently introduced restrictions on movement of cloven hoofed animals within the area.

A principal public relations officer at the ministry Mr Geoffrey Pheko, stated on Thursday April 14 that they had deployed personnel to ensure that there were no cloven hoofed animals smuggled out of Zone 11.

He said this in an interview with BOPA that they had mounted check points at Dibete, Lephepe, Phuduhudu and Mabule which were the major points of entry into Zone 11.

The ministry imposed an indefinite suspension of movement of cloven hoofed animals in Zone 11 earlier this week after a buffalo was found at Moreane crush in the Lotlhakane East extension in the Southern District.  

Mr Pheko urged farmers to adhere to restrictions stating that they were meant to protect the future of beef industry in Botswana.

“We have involved the police and officers from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to ensure absolute adherence to the restrictions.

Nobody under any terms should move cloven hoofed animals within or out of Zone 11. It would be a crime to do that,” Mr Pheko noted.

He said even though the ministry had not received any reports of people trying to smuggle cattle outside Zone 11 following the movement restrictions, they have decided to stay alert to avoid such a situation from arising.

He also said they had asked Botswana Police Services to help control movement of animals within the zone.

“The police are there to ensure adherence within the zone and the extension areas. So far we have not received any reports of people trying to move animals from one zone to another,” he said.

Mr Pheko stated that any person who would contravene with the restrictions will be charged under the Animal Disease Act.

He said the ministry will hold Kgotla meetings starting from next week at the affected areas to ensure that the communities understand the situation and the impact of the decision to suspend movement of animals in Zone 11. ENDS