19 Jan 2022

Farmers have been urged to brand and ear tag their livestock accordingly to facilitate identification in cases of theft.

Inspector Motlhanka Serame of Maun police made the appeal during a kgotla meeting addressed by Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile in Samedupi Monday,

He observed that some farmers did not brand their cattle, which he said resulted in complexities during investigations of stock theft cases.

Inspector Serame said farmers tended to delegate all responsibilities to farm workers while they spent most of their time in cities and towns.

This, he said could pose risks as some herd boys may get tempted to steal and sell livestock taking advantage of the fact that owners were not familiar with their stock.

He indicated that cattle with no branding may attract thieves in that they could claim as their own rendering theft cases difficult to prosecute.

Inspector Serame said stock theft was very common during rainy season when pastures are ample.

He stated that in most cases perpetrators of stock theft were regular offenders known by other residents who feared to report them to the police.

He urged residents to be whistle-blowers, adding that police would conceal their identity to protect them.

Inspector Serame noted that stock theft unit in Maun was currently working hard to solve escalating cases of stock theft. He said another mobile team had been deployed to camp in villages and settlements to solve the cases.

In his remarks Mr Kekgonegile appealed to residents to desist from concealing identities of stock thieves.

He concurred that perpetrators were known by residents who chose to sweep the crimes under rug with fear of being victimised.

The MP stated that as long as people failed come forward to report such crimes, thieves would continue stealing stock.

On other issues, he informed residents that President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi had appointed a commission that would review the constitution of Botswana.

He urged residents to be hospitable during consultations where they would be asked to contribute to the constitution review. ENDS