Look after your livestock this festive season

Monday, December 11, 2017

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal has called on livestock farmers, especially in rural communities to look after their stock against theft, both in grazing lands and in their kraals.

The department said that since the beginning of December, it has been receiving reports of stock theft in various regions of the province.

“It would seem that during this time of the year there is a spike in the rate of stock theft, such as cattle, goats and sheep in the province. Whilst this upward trend cannot be pinned down to any particular reason during this time as a causal effect, we are however calling for farmers, households with such type of livestock’s especially in our rural communities to look after their stock against theft, both in grazing lands and in their kraals,” the department said.

The department added that while those who have become victims of theft must report to the traditional structures of authority in the community, including Izinduna and Amakhosi, the department insists that they involve police by opening cases for investigation.

“As the department, we are cautioning our people to adopt additional measures to protect their livestock during this festive season. Where there are livestock associations we urge them to coordinate their members and work with Community Policing Forums, and local police stations on preventative measures,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za