By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
In a bid to curb livestock theft in Mpumalanga, the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison(DCSSL) will embark on a project of security vetting of livestock committees.
This announcement was made by DCSSL MEC, Jackie Macie, during a meeting held at Boschfontein Community Hall in Nkomazi , with stakeholders and livestock owners.
According to a statement by DCSSL, the engagement follows complaints that some members of the committees were colluding with criminals from neighbouring countries in the theft of livestock.
“ The MEC mentioned that the purpose of the engagement was to bring a report on government’s plans to curb the theft of livestock. He said that the challenges faced by livestock owners were known, that is why they have already engaged authorities from Mozambique and Eswatini to work with the South African government to expose the perpetrators with a view of ending the scourge,” said DCSSL.
It was also reported by DCSSL that chairpersons of Livestock Committees from the East and West of Nkomazi Local Municipality alerted the MEC about the need to rehabilitate the fence on the borderline to prevent the theft of livestock and vehicles.
Not only stock theft but community members also complained about the shortage of Stocktheft Unit vehicles in police stations, which resulted in a slow response when reports of theft are raised by the community.
In response, Macie assured the livestock owners that other members of the security cluster will be roped in to strengthen border security, which will be a step towards eradicating the said theft of livestock and vehicles.
“ We are also appealing to residents to refrain from working with criminals. We have heard that some communities allow car thieves to rent their garages for storing stolen vehicles which are destined for foreign countries,” said Macie.
DCSSL said the vetting project will be first piloted in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
