15 Oct 2023

 Efforts are being  made to ensure that the establishment of KgomoKhumo anti stock theft operation as a fully-fledged department comes to fruition.

Speaking during tour of Tholo Holdings 6th annual Stud production show near Gabane on Friday, Minister of Defence and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi said government took the decision to establish the Kgomo-Khumo anti stock theft operation as a permanent department to fight rampant stock theft.

KgomoKhumo is an anti-stock theft operation by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) which aims to identify stock theft syndicates and profile them, identify market for stolen stock and identify hotspots to disrupt the illegal activities.

Acknowledging the mandate of the operation, he said government continued to strengthen strategies in the fight against stock theft crime which had recently gained momentum.

He said livestock had been the source of income for Batswana from a long time and stock theft was reversing gains in the sector.

Mr Mmusi thanked Tholo Holding for hosting the production show which he said had the potential to diversify the economy of his constituents.

He said he was impressed by the attendance of young people and encouraged them to engage in stud production which had high gains.

Tholo Holdings Director Mr Werner Faber said his company was proud to be part of the Gabane Mmankgodi community. He said they have been doing business in the area for the past 22 years and helping small farmers grow.

He appreciated the good gesture of farmers and said Tholo Holdings was not only into the commercial market but exist to see small farmers succeed in their line of operations.

Tholo Holdings supplies animal feeds and farm equipment. The event showcased to farmers a variety of breeds stemming stud Simmental bulls and heifers.

According to organizers the reason behind the event was to showcase the breed to farmers and to help to boost declining beef production.

The event was attended by key stakeholders in animal production ranging from farmers to corporate partners in diverse fields with intention to bring closely shareable information that would help in beef production.ENDS