Cattle farmers from the Tshitale area have expressed their concerns about the increase in stock theft in Tshivhangani. This follows the discovery of 10 cattle slaughtered in the bushes on the morning of 10 August.
The farmers claim that the cattle had been taken from a mealie field where they had been left to graze the previous night and had subsequently been slaughtered in the bushes. Out of the cattle, five belonged to Mr Edward Mulaudzi, three to Mr Hangwani Rambau, and two were owned by Mr Mathathe Mugwena.
The distressed farmers fear that they have become the targets of a syndicate operating in the area, and they hold the police responsible for not apprehending the culprits. They allege that when they report these incidents, the police do not respond quickly enough, allowing the thieves to escape.
Mulaudzi expressed their frustration with the situation, stating, "We don't receive any assistance from the police. They come, take statements, and then leave. They never provide us with updates, leaving us deeply concerned. The situation could escalate on our end; we might be forced to remain with our cattle in the bushes day and night."
Rambau concurred, emphasising that the issue of cattle thieves is spiralling out of control. "If the police put in some effort, the situation would be different, but they don't," he remarked.
The police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, acknowledged the stock theft problem in the Vhembe area. He noted that they were making every effort to investigate the syndicate. "We are doing our utmost to apprehend the suspects, but we require the cooperation of stock owners. Leaving animals unattended overnight creates opportunities for thieves to steal them. We urge farmers to employ individuals to safeguard their livestock. Another challenge is that most of the stock isn't brand marked, making it difficult for us to trace stolen animals," he explained.