08 Oct 2018

Police in Maun have formed stock theft committees to tackle issues of stock theft said to be escalating in the area.

Speaking in an interview recently, Maun station commander, Superintendent Motlhaba Ramaabya, said police would work hand in hand with the committees to trace and ultimately arrest perpetrators, noting that involvement of the community through such committees could be bear desirable fruits t.

Superintendent Ramaabya said six committees had been formed in different villages.

“Our aim is to curb stock theft which is a concern to farmers. The committees will be working with the communities, he said.

Superintendent Ramaabya said the team that had the police district officer commanding comprised police officers from different stations that would be working with committees from different villages.

The station commander said if they connected well with the community, the fight against stock theft could be reduced if not eliminated. Superintendent said this year from January to September they had recorded 65 cases, compared to last year the same period when they recorded 43 cases.

Superintendent Ramaabya however urged farmers to look after their livestock by frequently visiting their cattle posts.

One farmer, Mr Keoratile Kgotla, commended the efforts by the police of involving the community in the fight against stock theft.

Mr Kgotla said the committees should assist the police in their respective villages, adding that they should also move around their villages to spread the message of stock theft on behalf of the police. “Stock theft is a concern in areas around Maun, I have lost more than 10 cattle this year, I do not know where they are, but I have concluded that they have been stolen,” he said.
 

He said livestock thieves shattered their lives because they were depended on cattle for their livelihood. Mr Kgotla encouraged members of stock theft committees to visit different butcheries during the mission. Ends