On Friday, 25 April 2025, the community of Madutle village, which is situated approximately 500 metres from the Botswana borderline gathered under one roof for Stock Theft Awareness.
The activity started with Archie Bishop Molefe of Spiritual Crime Prevention opening with a scripture reading and prayer while Mr Pitso, the local Community Police Forum (CPF) Chairperson outlined the purpose of the day and encouraged the community to work together with the police to fight crime.
Among others, the gathering was graced by the presence and participation of Lehurutshe Acting Station Commander, Captain Mayisela, representatives from Department of Health, Agriculture, Department of Home Affairs, Boarder Management Authority, Chieftainship of the Bahurutshe Boora Moiloa and DiBOFA Farmers Union Association.
Lieutenant Colonel Tanke, the Commander of Lehurutshe Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit painted a crime picture of stock theft in the area as formerly mentioned by Captain Mayisela. He indicated the area is one of those where stock theft is rife and that they decided to embark on public education and awareness regarding focusing on issues like the importance of reporting crime in time. The Colonel said further that some of the contributing factors of stock theft in the area is due to failure to comply with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 06 of 2002), employment of illegal Immigrants is the failure to count livestock regularly as prescribed by the Act. The Colonel also shared safety tips with the attendees. All stakeholders were similarly given a platform to present and respond to questions and concerns from the community.
In his remarks, Mr Mmusi Mokgotlhe of DIBOFA gave a message of support urging the farmers to move from the old way of farming and venture into commercial farming.
Finally, the Provincial Deputy Chairperson of CPF Mr Rammotlana urged the community to assist the CPF as all of them belong to the structure. He urged the community to work with the police and develop a community safety plan, then engage the police about the issues that trouble them so that they can be implemented to fight crime.
