Stock theft operation yields positive results

On 11 October 2018, a multi-disciplinary operation was conducted at Amangwe policing precinct by the Provincial Visible Policing together with Air Wing, Ladysmith Tactical Response Team, Stock Theft Unit, K9 Unit and local stations within the Uthukela Cluster aimed at eradicating theft of livestock and recovering the stolen livestock as well as educating the community members on the importance of branding livestock.

The operation was conducted and it resulted in the recovery of 23 stolen cattle on various pending criminal cases. Pamphlets were also distributed to the community members, educating them about brand marks, the impact of stock theft and consequences of buying stolen livestock. Twenty-three herd of cattle was recovered after the Air Wing members spotted a herd of about 600 cattle grazing unattended on the mountains and they were driven down for Stock Theft Unit detectives with community members to identify stolen livestock. The remainder of the cattle belonged to the community members who informed police that they are taken in the mornings to the mountains to graze freely without supervision.

The operation was a success and similar operations will continue throughout the province to curb stock theft incidents, recover stolen livestock, arrest stock thieves and educate other community members about brand marking according to the Animal Identification Act.