The farming community of Midoroni is battling to deal with the problem of stock theft. Between 22 and 26 September alone, they had lost 40 cows and 25 goats, with one calf reported stolen. They say this threatens the long-term sustainability of livestock production and is costing them thousands of rands.
Mr Eric Muvhali, who lost 10 cows, said he would not rest until the culprits were apprehended and faced the full might of the law. "It took me many years to rear my cattle, but these thieves came and stole them in five minutes. I believe they are the same people who steal the local farmers' goats. I will not rest until these culprits are caught. They must know that their days are numbered. No stone will be left unturned, finish and klaar! This is really hard for me. I have lost approximately R150,000. I'm even thinking of leaving everything. I can say that, financially, I am broke, because maintaining cattle is expensive these days," he said.
Another farmer, Mr Piet Raphasha, said he had lost eight of his goats. "The problem with stock theft is that it has become a daily thing. Then you sit with the challenge of reporting the case. I am one of many who have reported stock theft at the Tshilwavhusiku Police Station. At the pace the police are investigating, the trail of my stolen herd will have gone cold."
He said that the local farmers were all equally frustrated about this and that they had sought assistance left and right, to no avail.
Provincial police spokesperson Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba said they were experiencing an increase in complaints about stock theft in Limpopo. According to Ledwaba, thieves usually target animals in grazing lands while they roam about unattended.
"We are appealing to members of the community to come forward with information that might lead to the arrest of the perpetrators," said Ledwaba.