07 Aug 2018

In an effort to reduce escalating incidents of stock theft, farmers in Sehithwa have formed a committee to work closely with law enforcement agencies.

Sehithwa Police Station Commander, Superintendent Elias Malope revealed in an interview that the committee was formed after residents decried the increasing stock theft incidents.

He said most residents complained that criminals had impoverished them, adding that criminals have also taken advantage of the LIMID programme, which supplies small stock to beneficiaries.

He concurred that stock theft was a problem in his policing area.

Superintendent Malope however believes that the committee would make a huge impact in turning the tide.

He said crime prevention required a more structured approach, hence the committee, had come up with strategies to fight stock theft and maintain peace, law and order in the village and surroundings.

He lamented however that their efforts were frustrated by the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease at some areas within the Sehithwa extension area. The police chief said crime was more like a disease and needed collective efforts by all stakeholders, noting that community policing was critical as most of the culprits come from within the community.

Superintendent Malope appreciated that residents had been complaining about low conviction rates and sentences, but stated that the government has listened to their plea and agreed to revise the sentences.

Meanwhile, some residents complained about the police response time, which they said thwarts their efforts in fighting crime.

They cited incidences where small kraals had been constructed in the bush to keep stolen goats, sheep and cattle, but police always take time to attend to such suspicious incidents until the culprits disappear.

Residents therefore called on government to assist the police with more resources as reasons advanced by police officers for the slow response time was shortage of transport. Ends