23 Jun 2025

Cross-border livestock theft, which has become a persistent problem in areas along Molopo River, has led to government propose drone surveillance to reinforce security along the border. 

Communities residing along the border have expressed frustrations during kgotla meetings over their livestock being stolen and taken to neigbouring South Africa. In a meeting held in Goodhope on Thursday at the council chambers, the Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa told community leadership that drones would be used to monitor movement along the border line to augment regular patrols. He told councilors that law enforcement officers had also pledged to increase their visibility in the area. 

“We have also resorted to engaging our South Africa counterparts to come up with an amicable solution to this problem,” he said. 

Mr Mohwasa pointed out that illegal border crossing and cattle rustling could have devastating effects in the economy of the country should diseases such as foot and mouth be detected in the area. In other intervention measures, a cordon fence that cost government over P60 million was erected at least 2 years ago after the North West province of South Africa reported a case of foot and mouth disease in the area. Mr Mohwasa pleaded with councilors to encourage residents to work closely with law enforcement officers to help curb incidences of crime.

Member of Parliament for Goodhope- Mmathethe constituency, Dr Edwin Dikoloti who is also Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture concurred with Mr Mohwasa that, there was need for concerted efforts in controlling illegal border crossing and livestock theft. He said government through Botswana Vaccine Institute had over the years liberalised the meat industry saying it would therefore be unfortunate if citizenry could let foot and mouth disease cross into Botswana. 

“The effects will not only devastate the economy, it will mean that there is no longer Botswana Meat Commission and its work force,” he said. 

Dr Dikoloti made it known that in cases of those unfortunate circumstances, all animals in the South part of Makalamabedi cordon fence would have to be culled. He however said on top of all security measures being put in place, a delegation from Bobirwa would be coming to teach and mentor the affected communities in Barolong area. 

“Bobirwa had the same problem of cattle rustling but the situation is now better thanks to engagement of mephato who are pivotal in controlling animal movements in their localities,” he said. 

Phitshane Molopo Councillor Mr Kgotlaetsile Bantatetse decried that the cordon fence had already been  vandalised. He therefore said government should engage their South Africa counter parts, in regard to the vandalisation and stealing of the fence. Specially elected councilor Mr Ketlhogile Keipeile said the same way government dealt with cash heist incidents should apply in stock theft occurrences. ENDS