10 Apr 2019

Several MPs have thrown their weight behind the Stock Theft Amendment Bill, describing the proposed piece of legislation as a timely intervention that would, without doubt, improve the plight of the livestock owners.

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said livestock was a central part of the lives of Batswana, but it was disappointing that cattle rustlers continued to impoverish citizens by depriving them of their source of livelihood.

The vice president also commended the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi for having consulted Ntlo ya Dikgosi on the proposed amendments. 

He noted that the move to afford dikgosi the opportunity to deliberate on the bill was commendable as they were among the key stakeholders whose input was vital. 

Nkange lawmaker, Mr Edwin Batshu also hailed the piece of legislation, saying it would go a long way in contributing to efforts aimed at addressing the problems faced by livestock owners.

Mr Batshu said for a long time farmers had agitated for the seizure of properties used in stock theft, the same way it was being done in cases of poaching, where property such as vehicles and guns were seized.

On another issue, he patted the Botswana Police Service (BPS) on the back for its KgomoKhumo operation; whose efforts he observed had begun to pay off. 

However, Mr Batshu appealed to the justice system to complement the efforts of the BPS by ensuring that stock theft cases were disposed of speedily.

MP for Mochudi East, Mr Moagi Molebatsi similarly raised a concern on delays in hearing stock theft cases, saying it often resulted in the erosion of evidence. 

Mr Molebatsi appealed for the setting up of special stock theft courts to address the issue of delays in dealing with stock theft cases. 

The legislator for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said it was good that under the amended law there would be different penalties for those found guilty of stealing stock and those convicted of receiving stolen stock. 

Further, he said it was important to fast-track stock theft cases so that seized property would be returned to their owners without undue delay if the courts ordered for their return.

MP Dikgang Makgalemele of Shoshong also welcomed the bill, saying it would serve to protect the wealth of Batswana as many of them relied on livestock for their livelihood. ENDS